HC Deb 11 April 1918 vol 104 cc1628-9
72. Mr. JOHN HOPE

asked the Minister of National Service if he will give an assurance that all Members of this House of military age and medically fit will be called to serve in the same manner as the public?

Mr. BECK

The position at present is, as stated in the answer given by the Chancellor of the Exchequer to the hon. Baronet the Member for Portsmouth on the 29th October last, namely, that the War Cabinet have decided that Members of Parliament who are at present serving should have the choice either of serving or remaining in the House of Commons. In view of this decision, and the fact that a tribunal has held that a Member of Parliament has been elected by his Constituents to perform work of national importance, the option is given to Members who are not serving to serve or to continue their work as Members of this House.