HC Deb 21 March 1917 vol 91 cc1912-3
87. Mr. SNOWDEN

asked the Minister of Munitions by what authority Messrs. S. Pearson and Son, Limited, issued a notice to their workmen at the Gretna factory, dated 20th February, 1917, requiring youths aged 17½ to attend before the board for medical examination for the Army?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of MUNITIONS (Mr. Kellaway)

An arrangement exists at the Gretna factory for the convenience both of those employed at the factory and of medical boards attending there, whereby youths of the age referred to present themselves before the board. The necessity of frequent attendance on the part of medical boards, whose time is already fully occupied, is thus obviated, and some youths are saved from being needlessly called up for military service when they attain military age.

Mr. SNOWDEN

What reason can there be for demanding that boys who are not going to be liable for military service for seven months should be compelled to undergo medical examination? What legal right is there for imposing it upon them?

Mr. KELLAWAY

I think it is the right of obvious common sense.