HC Deb 22 April 1918 vol 105 c664
16. Mr. TYSON WILSON

asked the Minister of National Service if he will state whether he proposes to call up all single-man-business men or whether they will be called up to a certain age; and whether he can say what are the conditions under which these men will be called up?

Mr. BECK

The legal position of one-man business men is unchanged by the recent Military Service Act, except as regards the extension of the age to fifty. It is not proposed to withdraw the instructions concerning this class of man which were issued in December last to tribunals by the Local Government Board. So far as the national emergency permits, every attempt will be made by the Ministry of National Service to pursue its policy of safeguarding the interests of these men.

Colonel Sir ALAN SYKES

Arising out of that reply, will these men be sent into the Volunteers, as that seems a suitable position for them?

Mr. SPEAKER

That requires notice.