§ 70. Mr. JOWETTasked the Minister of National Service if he will afford protection to two blind parents, aged sixty-seven and seventy-three, respectively, whoso only son, J. W. Muff, 57, Sandbeds, Cullingworth, Yorks, is called up for military service, the only other member of the family being a daughter, who resides in London and is obliged to work for her own livelihood (a waitress, receiving for her services 5s. a week in wages and a further uncertain and irregular weekly sum in gratuities, and paying out of her small weekly income 5s. a week for the supervision of her child during working hours), having regard to the fact that their son is a warehouseman employed by a firm engaged on Government contracts, and that they are dependent upon him for the management of their affairs and for care and attention every day of their lives?
§ Sir A. GEDDESI have inquired into this case, and have ascertained that Mr. Muff's application for exemption was considered by the Central Tribunal. Exemption was refused, but the tribunal recommended that he should not be called up for a month from the date of their decision. This period has, in fact, been considerably extended; but though I sympathise with the representations of the hon. Member, I feel that this is one of the cases which Parliament intended should be finally dealt with by the Central Tribunal.
§ Mr. HOGGECan my right hon. Friend say if the National Service Department are really going to call up a man who is the son of two blind parents, aged sixty-seven and seventy-three respectively, and put him in the Army without making provision for the two blind parents?
§ Sir A. GEDDESI have inquired into this case, and it has been dealt with by three separate tribunals. In each case the tribunals had all the facts before them, and they decided that the man should serve. He actually went to the highest Court of Appeal, which decided against him. Special consideration was given, extending over a great many weeks, and it is very difficult to overrule bodies such as the Central Tribunal, which had all the facts before it.
§ Mr. HOGGEDo I take it, then, that the Ministry of National Service approves the taking of the only remaining son of two blind parents, aged sixty-seven and seventy-three respectively, and putting him into the Army?
§ Sir A. GEDDESThat is, of course, a matter for the War Office. I can add nothing to what I have said.