HC Deb 15 March 1916 vol 80 cc2064-5
28. Mr. SNOWDEN

asked the Under-Secretary for War if he will instruct Lieutenant John Jurniper, recruiting officer for the Old Trafford district of Manchester, in his duties under the Military Service Act, 1916, seeing that this officer has informed a man who was married on the 13th of October last that, as he was a single man on 15th of August last and being an unattested man, he must make an application to the local tribunal to be put in a later group, as he has no authority to do that; and, in view of the annoyance, inconvenience, and loss of time which is being inflicted upon persons outside the Military Service Act, 1916, by the illegal actions of recruiting officers, will he make striking examples of a few officers who act illegally as a warning to other law-breakers?

Mr. TENNANT

I have no knowledge of the circumstances stated by my hon. Friend. If the man in question was not an attested man it would, of course, be wrong to suggest that an application, under the Military Service Act, would be necessary in the case of a man who was married on the 13th October. As to such a man the Act does not apply. If it were found that a recruiting officer was deliberately acting illegally suitable action would be taken.

Mr. SNOWDEN

Is the suitable action to be taken by the War Office?

Mr. TENNANT

Yes, Sir.

Mr. SNOWDEN

Then I will find you plenty of work.

Mr. OUTHWAITE

Has the right hon. Gentleman seen the condemnation of military representatives by Lord Selborne, and will he issue instructions to military representatives not to endeavour to mislead people?

Mr. TENNANT

The question which I have answered related to recruiting officers and not to military representatives.