92. Colonel THORNEasked the Secretary of State for War if the Government have considered the advisability of dissolving the local military tribunals; what 1348 position the men are in who were ordered by the local tribunals to obtain work of national importance; if he is aware that a number of demobilised soldiers have been put to do work that was being done by some of the men who were ordered to do work of national importance; whether if they find other employment they will be breaking any of the regulations of the local tribunals; and if he will take action in the matter?
§ Dr. ADDISONI have been asked to answer this question. The Military Service Tribunals continue in being so long as the Military Service Acts are in force; their work is, however, suspended. Men who hold exemption on condition that they do work of national importance, if they have changed that occupation, could, however, apply for a renewal, if the circumstances arose. No doubt some demobilised men are doing work formerly done by exempted men, but the fact that the latter can apply for a renewal of their exemption, should circumstances make this necessary, sufficiently safeguards their position. I will send the hon. and gallant Member a copy of the Circular which was issued on this matter after the Armistice.