HC Deb 21 November 1917 vol 99 cc1163-4
16. Mr. WATT

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he will ascertain how many employés of military age and military fitness are in the service of the members of the Appeal Tribunal of Dumfries and Galloway; and whether he will see that his military representative there will take similar action with such employés as he has taken with those in the service of the Post Office and of other employers?

The MINISTER of NATIONAL SERVICE (Sir Auckland Geddes)

My hon. Friend has asked me to reply. There are twenty-two men of military age in the employment of the members of the Dumfries and Galloway Appeal Tribunal. I have examined the grounds of exemption in each of these cases, and without exception they appear to be satisfactory. I am supplying my hon. Friend with details.

Mr. HOGGE

Does the hon. Gentleman agree, on the facts as he has found them, that it is a right and proper thing for men of military age and fitness to be on tribunals sending others into the Army?

Mr. WATT

Is it the case that one member of the tribunal, who is most persistent in sending men into the trenches, has still six gardeners in his employment, and describes them as engaged in agriculture?

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member should give notice of that question.