HC Deb 21 June 1917 vol 94 c1950
92. Mr. HANCOCK

asked the Under secretary of State for War whether coal mining is still an exempted trade; and, if so, will he say why men who have worked at the pit during the whole' of the last twenty years are being called up for service?

Mr. MACPHERSON

Coal mining is not an '' exempted" trade, but a coal miner who is in possession of a valid certificate of exemption issued by a Colliery Recruiting Court under the authority of the Home Office is not liable to be called up for service with the Colours. I am not aware of any instance in which a coal miner in possession of such a certificate has been called up.