§ 37. Mr. PENNEFATHERasked the Minister of National Service whether men of the new military age who were given grade cards during the week prior to Monday, 8th July, will be entitled to have the new classification distinctly marked on their grading cards in the same manner as on the cards of men who were graded after that statement was made; if so, what procedure is necessary; and, if not, will he explain what difference of treatment will result before the tribunals in connection with appeals made by men graded before and those graded after 8th July?
§ The MINISTER of NATIONAL SERVICE (Sir Auckland Geddes)Any man of the new military age who was graded before 8th July and is still in civil life can, if he so desires, have his grade card altered to conform with the new instructions by presenting it, and his birth certicate, at a National Service area office. There is, however, no necessity for him to do so, and his disposal when he comes up for posting will be similar to that of men medically graded subsequently to last Monday. With regard to the last part of my hon. Friend's question, tribunals have received full directions from the Local Government Board or the Scottish Office, and their decisions will be given with full knowledge of the current arrangements.
§ 73. Mr. WHITEHOUSEasked the Under-Secretary of State for War what arrangements have been made by the Army Council for observing the special grading of men above the age of forty-three instituted by the Minister of National Service?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONInstructions for the alteration of medical categories to meet the new grading will be issued in the course of the next day or two.
§ Mr. PRINGLEIs my right hon. Friend not aware that the older men at the present time are being subjected to a training equally rigorous with the younger men?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONMy information is quite to the contrary. If my hon. Friend will bring a case to my notice I will consider it.
§ Mr. PRINGLEI certainly will.