HC Deb 16 April 1918 vol 105 cc198-9
49. Mr. WING

asked the Prime Minister if some provision can be made in the Ministry Service Bill to protect men who are called up and are proprietors of businesses in premises under long leases at heavy rents, say suspension of lease while called up or provision of rent while serving?

Mr. BECK

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply. The Government do not feel that it is practicable to insert in the present Military Service Bill such a provision as my hon. Friend suggests. It must be remembered that wide powers are vested in the Courts by the Courts (Emergency Powers) Acts for granting relief, and that the Civil Liabilities Commissioners are also empowered to afford financial assistance in appropriate cases.

Mr. WING

Am I to understand that this difficulty is really covered by the Courts (Emergency Powers) Acts, and, if not, ought it not to be covered, as this is a very serious matter?

Sir F. FLANNERY

May I ask my hon. Friend whether his attention has been called to the new Clause which was suggested, and which was only ruled out of order on the ground that it was outside the scope of the Military Service Bill; that the Clause purported to amend deficiencies in the Courts (Emergency Powers) Acts so as to do justice to men called up, and who are under contractual obligations which at present could not be made good by them without legislation; and will the Minister of National Service consider the introduction of separate legislation so as to do justice to men who by serving their country have had their contracts destroyed?

Mr. BECK

From the answer I have given, it is obvious that it is not within the scope of the Military Service Bill to introduce a provision of the sort suggested. It is a Man-Power Bill, and has nothing to do with things of that sort. If there is a flaw in the law, and new legislation is required to deal with cases of hardship, it is obviously a question that should be addressed to the Prime Minister.

Sir F. FLANNERY

May I ask my right hon. Friend the Leader of the House whether, having heard the question, he will consider the desirability of introducing separate legislation to remove this very great and widely extended hardship?

Mr. BONAR LAW

This is the first consideration I have given to the matter. I will see that the point is examined.