§ 31. Mr. SNOWDENasked the Minister of National Service if the trade union officials who have been exempted through the Trade Union Committee are still protected; and whether trade union officials of older age who are now liable to be called up for military service, many of whom arc occupying positions of great responsibility, will have their cases considered by the same committee or whether other means are open to them to claim exemption on account of the nature of their work?
§ Mr. BECKThere has been no change in the position of the trade union officials referred to with regard to exemption from military service, except that in February last an Instruction was issued under which names of full-time executive or organising officials and district secretaries of trade unions might be submitted for special exemption, and also certain branch secretaries of the higher ages and lower medical grades. Before any alteration is made in the existing Instruction which would affect men made liable to service by the raising of the military age, due notice will be given.