HC Deb 24 April 1918 vol 105 cc992-3
Sir CHARLES NICHOLSON

(by Private Notice) asked the President of the Local Government Board whether it is the wish of the Government that men of military age who are members of tribunals should resign, and what is their position with regard to claiming exemption?

Mr. FISHER

I have been in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Minister of National Service on this subject, and we are agreed that, particularly in view of the arduous duties before tribunals, it is very desirable, in the national interests, that members who are of military age should for the present continue to act. Those members of tribunals whose age and medical standard bring them within the classes from which men are being called up for service will be liable to be called up in due course. If any such member should consider that his circumstances justify his claiming exemption, it will be competent to the Local Government Board, if they think fit, to direct that his case shall be determined by a tribunal other than that of which he is a member. I have also arranged with the Minister of National Service that any member of a tribunal whose age renders him liable to be called up at an early date in pursuance of a public notice may, if he so desires, be medically examined as soon as possible in order that he may know his medical grade.

Mr. CHANCELLOR

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether any special arrangements are to be made for members of local government bodies—boards of guardians, and so forth?

Mr. FISHER

My hon. Friend had better put down the question.