§ 31. General COLVINasked the Minister of National Service whether he is aware that doubt exists as to the precise meaning of domestic servants, out-door, in Part 1. of the Schedule of the Withdrawal of Exemptions Order, No. 1, 1918; whether it includes men engaged in the production of food upon a substantial scale; and, if so, whether there is any and, if so, what machinery whereby the calling up of such men may be postponed in view of the importance of saving the crops which at the present season they arc engaged in rearing, or whether facilities can be given for the consideration of such cases?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of NATIONAL SERVICE (Mr. Beck)The Order affects only men under forty-three of Grades 1 or 2 who hold exemptions on occupational grounds, and it is not anticipated that the number of such men who are producing necessary food—not luxury foods—on a substantial scale can be very large. A certain discretion has been given to the officials of the Ministry in the regions in dealing with special cases of decertified men, and, as provided in the Order, permission for exceptional cases to be sent back to the tribunal for decision on occupational grounds, may be granted.