HC Deb 11 July 1918 vol 108 cc490-1
37. Mr. R. MACDONALD

asked the Minister of National Service whether any special consideration is to be given to men of between forty-three and fifty years of age who have been working upon munitions since Mr. Neville Chamberlain's first call for national service; and are they to volunteer as War Work Volunteers, or is their present work to be recognised?

Sir A. GEDDES

Arrangements are in force whereby men employed in essential occupations receive a certificate of protection. It is open to any man employed on munitions who is not qualified to receive such a certificate, to volunteer as a War Work Volunteer. The question as to whether or not his present work is of sufficient importance to justify his assignment as a War Work Volunteer to the firm by which he is employed is a matter which can only be decided after consideration of the circumstances of each case. In the meantime, no man of the new military age, registered as engaged on munitions work, is being called, even for medical examination.