HC Deb 05 August 1918 vol 109 cc887-8
29. Mr. MACMASTER

asked the Minister of National Service if he will state the final arrangements that were made to secure fair and just treatment of the proprietors of one-man businesses; and whether, in cases in which the local tribunals, which necessarily have the best knowledge of all the circumstances, are unanimous in granting exemption, he will instruct the military representative to abstain, as far as possible, from bringing such cases before the Appeal Tribunal?

Mr. BECK

The final arrangements, so far as the Ministry of National Service is concerned, are contained in Circular R. 167, a copy of which I am sending to the hon. Member. I may also add that since the issue of that Circular the Local Government Board have, through officers specially appointed by them for the purpose, been active in pressing forward schemes of co-operation for maintaining the businesses of one-man business proprietors who have joined the forces. I can add nothing in regard to the latter part of the question to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Minister of National Service to the hon. Member for Elland on the 16th of July last.

Mr. PRINGLE

Can the hon. Gentleman say how many of these schemes of co-operation have actually been put into effect; and is it not the case that these men are being called up and that the schemes are no comfort to them after their businesses are ruined?

Mr. BECK

As the hon. Member is aware, the schemes are worked by the tribunals of the Local Government Board, and I should require to have notice of that question.

Sir H. NIELD

Is it true that the hon. Gentleman's Department is favouring the co-operative societies at the expense of independent tradesmen?

Mr. BECK

No, Sir.

47. Mr. GEORGE TERRELL

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of cases of hardship and injustice which are constantly occurring, he can see his way to at once introduce legislation, if necessary, giving the proprietors of one-man businesses the right of appeal from the County Appeals Tribunal to the Central Tribunal?

The PRESIDENT of the LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD (Mr. Hayes Fisher)

I have been asked to answer this question. Much as I sympathise with the proprietors of one-man businesses, it is not practicable to make the change suggested. It is to be remembered that proprietors of one-man businesses are not the only men who have to make sacrifices, in view of the present military requirements; moreover, by schemes of co-operation for the maintenance of businesses, such as have been adopted in a number of localities, traders in many instances have in their own hands the means of mitigating the hardship to men who are required to join the forces.