HC Deb 24 October 1916 vol 86 cc926-7
38. Major HUNT

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the fact that in the Burwarton district, near Bridgnorth, Shropshire, several men passed as fit for foreign service, although refused exemption by the tribunals, have, just before being called up for service, applied to and been taken on by the Home-grown Timber Committee, a Government Department, and been given badges; and whether, as these men are now employed as unskilled labourers, he could have them taken for the Army and men of Class C or discharged soldiers put in their place?

Mr. FORSTER

I am not sure that my hon. and gallant Friend should not have addressed this question to the representative of the Ministry of Munitions, as men who are badged for the Home-grown Timber Committee are badged by the Ministry of Munitions on the application of that Committee. The issue of badges is, therefore, as he will see, not under the control of the War Office. I understand, however, that under orders recently issued by the Man Power Distribution Board men who have been refused exemption by a tribunal cannot in future be badged.

Major HUNT

Will these particular men be unbadged?

Mr. FORSTER

The hon. Member must ask the Ministry of Munitions.