§ 89. Mr. BYRNEasked the Minister of National Service the result of his inquiries into the cases of Privates Kiernan, Hewson, Walsh, Higgins, and Joyce, Irish workmen, who were illegally conscripted; and if he is aware that the latter three are now in prison at Warrington?
§ The MINISTER of NATIONAL SERVICE (Sir Auckland Geddes)Full inquiries have been made into the case of Kiernan, and no trace can be found that on reporting he either claimed or produced any evidence that he was excepted or otherwise protected from the operation of the Military Service Acts. When, however, it subsequently appeared that he had been sent over by the Employment Exchange, the War Office were requested to release him, and I understand this has been done. With regard to Hewson, I have ascertained that when he came up for medical examination no card was produced to show that he was in possession of any form of protection, and consequently he was graded and called up for service. The man's card has now been produced, and representations have been made to the War Office asking for his 763 discharge. The other three men, Walsh, Joyce, and Higgins, as I recently informed the hon. Member by letter, came to England subsequently to the Press communiqué of the 12th July, and were rightly enlisted.
§ Mr. BYRNEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the latter three men who are detained in prison were only three weeks in England in their lives? Surely they are not liable to military service?
§ Sir A. GEDDESThe moment they landed in England they became liable to military service.