§ 68. Mr. ANDERSONasked the President of the Local Government Board if he will define the position, under the new Military Service Bill, of Colonials who have been resident for some time in the United Kingdom; what term of residence for business or other purposes in this country on the part of Canadians, Australians, or South Africans would make them eligible for service under the Bill; and whether, in the case of Colonials temporarily resident in the United Kingdom, and who may be exempt from the provisions of the Bill, 1972 he will extend to them the same consideration as to Americans and Danes, leaving the question of their domicile and citizenship to be decided, hot by public tribunals, but by the Colonial High Commissioners resident here, whose certificates would guarantee exemption?
§ Mr. HAYES FISHERThe position of persons from the Dominions residing here, apart from age and other questions, depends on whether they are or are not ordinarily resident in this country. No definition of ordinary residence in terms of time can be given. The question is one of fact, which, if in dispute, can only be decided by a Court of Law. My right hon. Friend the Secretary for the Colonies has been in communication with the Army Council with a view to the military authorities accepting certificates from the Colonial High Commissioners with respect to persons from the Dominions whom the High Commissioners consider to be exempted from the Military Service Act.