HC Deb 23 May 1916 vol 82 cc1970-1
66. Mr. ANDERSON

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether at a recent meeting of the West Suffolk Appeal Tribunal, held in the Shirehall, Bury St. Edmunds, the chairman, Lord Bristol, in dismissing a case in which an employer applied for the exemption of a blacksmith in his employment, said that the time was approaching when the Government would take steps to organise industrial conscription; on what authority such a statement was made; and whether he will cause inquiry to be made?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD (Mr. Hayes Fisher)

My right hon. Friend is not aware of the statement to which reference is made. The Government have no intention of introducing industrial conscription.