HC Deb 29 June 1939 vol 349 c596
20. Mr. Logan

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will set up in Liverpool a local tribunal in connection with the Military Training Act, 1939?

9. Mr. Kirby

asked the Minister of Labour whether, having in mind the very large population in Liverpool and on Merseyside generally, he will consider setting up in Liverpool a local tribunal, before which Merseyside conscientious objectors could appear, thus saving expense to the public as against such objectors appearing before the tribunal in Manchester?

Mr. E. Brown

I am setting up a local tribunal to cover Lancashire, Cheshire and the Glossop and New Mills district of Derbyshire. The number of applications from conscientious objectors in Liverpool and on the Merseyside is not sufficient to justify an additional local tribunal for that area.

Mr. Logan

Is the Minister not aware that in the late War we had such a tribunal and that the expense of travelling to Manchester was then met?

Mr. Brown

This, of course, is a different situation. We are dealing here with one section and not with the whole range. As the hon. Member knows, of the 88 who originally registered, only 75 have applied for final exemption, so he will understand that this is not a problem of great magnitude. The tribunal is normally sitting in Manchester, but it would be possible to sit in Liverpool.

Mr. Logan

Will the expenses be paid to them?

Mr. Brown

Certainly.