§ 39. Mr. HOGGEasked whether papers have now been issued to any Territorials embodied for Home service asking them to sign for Imperial service; if so, how long they are given to decide; what happens to those who refuse to sign; and whether, if they are discharged and so resume civil status, they are still entitled to appeal when called up under the Military Service Act, 1916?
§ Mr. TENNANTSingle officers and men of the Territorial Force under forty-one years of age not coming within the exceptions provided for in the First Schedule of the Military Service Act were at liberty to put in a claim for exemption. If they are not exempted and if they have made no claim for exemption they are discharged from the Territorial Force and simultaneously become Reservists under the Military Service Act. There is no interval between the ending of the Territorial status and the beginning of the Reservist status.
As regards the period of time that Territorials may have had for coming to a decision, I can only say that there has been 1341 no time during their engagement when it has not been open to them to make a decision, but if they have not made a decision by the 2nd March the question then, subject to the settlement of claims for exemption by the tribunals, becomes decided for them.
§ Mr. HOGGECan the right hon. Gentleman say whether married men in the Territorials who are not subject to the Military Service Act are at the same time being asked to sign?
§ Mr. TENNANTThe married men are not subject to the Military Service Act. My hon. Friend is quite right.