HC Deb 17 June 1918 vol 107 cc21-2
28. Colonel THORNE

asked the Minister of National Service if he is aware that the Hertford military tribunal has given a further six months' exemption to Mr. J. B. Joel's stud groom on the ground that he is doing work of great national importance; if he is aware that the tribunal decline to allow the National Service representative to go to the Central Appeal Committee; if he is aware that a Member of Parliament was briefed to appear on behalf of the racehorse owner; if he is aware that businesses of far greater importance are being closed down and the business men sent into the Army; and if he will take action in the matter?

Mr. PRINGLE

Before this question is answered, may I ask if it is in order to put a question in this House as to the action of a private Member of Parliament in his professional capacity?

Mr. SPEAKER

I do not see any objection to a Member of Parliament appearing before the tribunal if he happens to be an advocate, and it is rather an advertisement of his business to refer to it here. If my attention had been called to this before it had appeared on the Paper, I think I should have asked that it should not appear. But there is no harm in the question.

Mr. PRINGLE

Is it not the practice to disallow such questions?

Mr. SPEAKER

I cannot recollect that we have had one before. I think it is undesirable.

Sir A. GEDDES

My attention had already been called to this case, and inquiries are being made with the object of ascertaining the circumstances in which exemption was granted. I understand that the Hertfordshire Appeal Tribunal refused to give the Appeal National Service representative concerned leave to appeal to the Central Tribunal, but the hon. Member is no doubt aware that the Regulations issued by the Local Government Board governing the procedure of tribunals give an absolute discretion to the Appeal Tribunal to grant or refuse leave to appeal to the Central Tribunal. The Regulations issued by the Local Government Board further provide for the appearance of counsel and solicitors as advocates for applicants for exemption. With regard to the last part of the hon. Member's question, the question whether exemption should be granted in any case, is a matter for the tribunal to decide after hearing the necessary facts and evidence.