§ 4. Mr. GINNELLasked the Undersecretary of State for War whether the military authorities will be required to desist from illegally attempting to compel an Irish civilian named Griffin, 747 now at 14, Hill Street, Clydebank, to join the Army, he being the holder of a Board of Trade exemption card?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Mr. Macpherson)Inquiries have been made into the facts of this case, and it has been ascertained that John Griffin resides at 28, John Knox Street, Clyde-bank, and is a dock labourer. The recruiting officer reports that a calling-up notice was sent to the man in order that his position in regard to military service might be ascertained, and that nothing is known of Griffin either by the police or by the Labour Employment Exchange. The recruiting officer further states that there was no intention of compelling Griffin to join the Army against his will. If, as stated in the question, Griffin is in possession of a card issued by the Board of Trade Employment Exchange, it is only necessary for him to produce this card to the recruiting officer, when the necessary entry will be made in the military register that so long as he complies with the conditions on which the card was issued he is not liable to service on the ground that he is ordinarily resident in Ireland and only resident in Great Britain for a special purpose.