HC Deb 21 March 1917 vol 91 cc1894-5
41. Mr. GEORGE LAMBERT

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether a circular has been issued directing the military authorities to bring under the review of the tribunals all exempted men under the age of thirty-one, including those engaged in agriculture?

Mr. MACPHERSON

Instructions have been issued under the directions of the War Cabinet that all certificates of exemption granted to men under thirty-one years of age are to be reviewed with certain exceptions. Men engaged in agriculture are among the exceptions.

Mr. LAMBERT

Are the recruiting authorities paying any attention to it? Are they not reviewing the cases of men in agriculture under the age of thirty-one?

Mr. MACPHERSON

All that I know is that we have issued these instructions. If my right hon. Friend will give me some cases where they have not paid any attention to the instructions, I will look into them.

Mr. LOUGH

When the exemptions have been for a short time, such as two months, is it not possible for the War Office to arrange that such cases shall not be reviewed until the time has expired?