§ 13. Mr. KINGasked the Minister of National Service whether the exemptions from military service granted by railway companies to railway servants in their head office and administration departments are given simply on the recommendations of the general managers or other officials, or whether any tribunals hear and decide on the merits in each case?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of NATIONAL SERVICE (Mr. Beck)All railwaymen are protected from military service under arrangements originally made between the War Office and the Railway Executive Committee and continued by the Ministry of National Service. The release of railway servants for military service is carried out under the instructions of the Railway Executive Committee, and in agreement with the men's representatives. By this agreement, men are released in order of medical grade, age, marital condition, and number of children. Any man considering himself to be released out of his turn has the right of appeal to an independent Committee appointed by the Board of Trade, presided over by Mr. Courthope Munro, K.C., and accepted by the Railway Executive Committee and the men's unions. Railwaymen have the same rights of appeal to tribunals on other than occupational grounds as are enjoyed by other men.
§ Mr. KINGIs the hon. Gentleman aware that in the head offices, and those especially under the control of general managers, there is a feeling of dissatisfaction because of the alleged favouritism which goes on?
§ Mr. BECKI am not aware of that, but I think my answer sets out the machinery which ought to prevent such favouritism.