§ 66. Mr. KINGasked the Minister of National Service whether he has had his attention drawn to the calling up of the business manager of Vickery Brothers, cider merchants, Taunton, of which firm the two young brother partners are serving in France, and the business is in danger of being closed down; and whether, in view of cider being a healthy substitute for beer and the firm now paying £100 a month in cider duty, the manager may be specially exempted from military service?
§ The MINISTRY of NATIONAL SERVICE (Sir Auckland Geddes)My attention was called to this case by Mr. Vickery himself, but it appears from his letter, received on 1st July, that he took no steps to apply to a tribunal for the exemption of his manager, although he was aware of his right to do so. I gather from Mr. Vickery's letter that the man is working as a War Agricultural Volunteer, and in the circumstances I do not see how I can take any action.
§ Mr. KINGIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that it was simply because the man was doing part-time service on the land that he was prevented from applying and that when that condition was withdrawn he had no opportunity of applying?
§ Sir A. GEDDESI think there must be some misunderstanding, because no part-time service by a man prevents him from applying.
§ Mr. KINGDid it not do so in this case, and was he not called up under such conditions as made it impossible for him to apply?
§ Sir A. GEDDESI think there must be some misunderstanding, and if the hon. Gentleman will see me afterwards I will go over the case in detail with him.