§ 46. Captain EDGEasked the Prime Minister if the Government intend to lay before Parliament a separate Bill for dealing with the provision of special allowances for men called up under the Military Service Bill; and whether this will embrace the creation of new machinery for deciding on individual cases?
§ Mr. HAYES FISHERThe Prime Minister has asked me to reply to this question. It is not at present contemplated that any legislation will be necessary.
§ Mr. HOGGEIs my right hon. Friend aware that it is impossible for us really to discuss the Military Service Bill without knowing what provisions the Government are going to make; further, can my right hon. Friend say whether the Government could not put these provisions into a Schedule of this Bill, in order that we might know where we are?
§ Mr. HAYES FISHERFull information has already been given to the House by the Prime Minister. I certainly cannot subscribe to the idea that the House cannot discuss this Bill unless it has further knowledge of this scheme. As to its inclusion in a Schedule to the Bill, that question ought to be addressed to the Prime Minister?
§ Mr. HOGGEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that before now the tribunals have said that they have nothing to do with what the Prime Minister says in this House?
§ Mr. WINGWhat is the machinery for carrying out the promise of the Prime Minister'? I am asking solely for information.
§ Mr. HAYES FISHERWe propose to set up tribunals practically covering the same areas as are covered by the Appeal Tribunals. These tribunals will probably be presided over by barrister-commissioners.
§ Mr. WHITEHOUSEWill the members of the new tribunals be the same members who serve on the existing tribunals?
§ Mr. HAYES FISHERNo, Sir; they will be quite distinct.
§ 47. Captain EDGEasked the Prime Minister whether, in any proposals the Government may make for special allowances for men called up under the Military Service Bill, he will take into consideration the desirability of using the existing local tribunals as the primary authority on each individual case?
§ Mr. HAYES FISHERThe Prime Minister has asked me to reply to this question also. The suggestion has been considered, but it is not thought practicable to use the local tribunals for the purpose in question.
§ Mr. HAYES FISHERAll the circumstances will be stated upon a form of application which will be made by each person who asks for this special form of relief.
§ Mr. HOGGEIs it not the case that the choice of men for the Army comes before the men chosen locally because they know the local conditions; and would it not be right that the men who are going to give—
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat is a matter for argument when the Bill is reached.
§ Mr. SPEAKERWhen the Bill is reached—
§ Mr. SPEAKERIt will be reached when it is introduced.