HC Deb 08 May 1918 vol 105 cc2131-2
81. Sir WATSON CHEYNE

asked the Minister of National Service whether chauffeurs employed by medical men who are carrying on large general practices not only of their own, but also of medical men who are serving in the Army, and who are very dependent on their experienced driver, may be exempted from military service?

Mr. BECK

I would refer the hon. Baronet to the answer that I gave yesterday to my right hon. Friend the Member for Glasgow and Aberdeen Universities to the effect that the Decertification Order of the 9th April applies to chauffeurs who fulfil the conditions contained therein as to age and medical category, but that a certain discretion is vested in National Service Representatives to be exercised in urgent and exceptional cases until an efficient substitute has been found. It cannot be too strongly urged that all motor drivers fit for military service should be replaced at the earliest moment by either women, unfit men, or men discharged from the forces.