HC Deb 24 May 1916 vol 82 c2095
95. Mr. ANDERSON

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he is aware that numbers of tradesmen who sit on local tribunals under the Military Service Act, 1916, are asked to adjudicate on the claims for exemption on the part of trade rivals who happen to be of military age; whether he is aware that the closing down of the shops of competing traders is financially profitable to some of the men who are called upon to make the decision; and whether steps will be taken to remove even the suspicion of influence of this sort?

Mr. LONG

I am prepared to rely on the general good sense of the members of tribunals to prevent any injustice of the kind suggested occurring. In any event there is an Appeal Tribunal to whom a dissatisfied applicant can appeal.