§ 33. Mr. RAMSAY MACDONALDasked the Minister of National Service if his attention has been drawn to the issue of of notices withdrawing certificates of exemption held by men on grounds of business and domestic hardship as though they were occupational certificates; and whether he proposes to send instructions to his local representatives informing them of the explanation and pledge given on the 24th January last whilst the Military Service Bill was in Committee?
§ Mr. BECKInquiries are being made into the cases of which the hon. Member has privately sent me particulars. Detailed instructions have been given to all National Service officials concerned, explaining that an Order withdrawing exemptions, made under the Military Service Act, 1918, relates only to exemptions granted wholly or partly on occupational grounds. It is possible, however, that the hon. Member refers to exemptions withdrawn by a Proclamation under the Military Service (No. 2) Act, 1918, which include exemptions granted on personal grounds as well as those granted on occupational grounds.