HC Deb 18 October 1916 vol 86 cc526-7
13. Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTT

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that numbers of men after medical examination have been classified in category "C" as unfit for general service and have been sent home to their ordinary occupations, after having been told that they will be called up for Home service when required; whether he is aware that in many businesses this uncertainty makes it impossible for them to enter into ordinary business contracts; and whether, in view of the distress thereby caused, he can give them a hypothetical assurance that on the assumption that the War continues on its present lines without any disaster to our arms they will not be required for a definite number of months at least?

The SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Mr. Lloyd George)

Considerable numbers of men classified under category "C" are now being placed in civil life in substitution for men fit for general service, and this policy is being developed as rapidly as possible. As regards others who have not been placed out as substitutes for general service men, instructions have been issued that they shall be provided with a protection certificate on their application to the recruiting officer concerned. I think this certificate may be regarded as a hypothetical assurance within the meaning that this term bears in my hon. Friend's question.

Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTT

Does that mean that there is a prospect of their being called up soon?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

I should not like to say that without notice.

Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTT

Has the right hon. Gentleman seen a statement to the effect that all men of Class C 1 are likely to be required? Can he say whether that applies also to Classes C 2 and C 3—whether there is any difference between Class 1 and the other two classes with regard to probability of being called up?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

I think I should like to have notice of that. Some of these men are being called up.

Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTT

Will the right hon. Gentleman give his very serious consideration to this question, which has involved in needless hardship and needless business difficulties a large number of men who are only too willing to do whatever the War Office requires them?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

They have all had notice, and I can assure my hon. Friend these questions are engaging the attention of the War Office, and there is not a day on which I have not a consultation with those concerned on this particular question.