HC Deb 30 November 1939 vol 355 cc217-8
8. Mr. Henderson Stewart

asked the Minister of Labour how many cases of only sons or sons of widowed or infirm farmers and market-gardeners, whose calling up for service in the Forces has caused exceptional hardship have been considered by Military Service (Hardship) Committees; in how many cases have such young men been granted postponement of service; and whether, in order to relieve the anxiety of many households, he will take further steps to make known the existence and purpose of and the method of approaching such committees?

Mr. E. Brown

I regret that separate statistics for these two categories of applicants are not available. Attention was drawn to the method of obtaining postponement of service, both in posters, displayed in the local offices and elsewhere, and in a leaflet which is handed to each man on registration.

Mr. Stewart

In view of the fact that so many of the fathers and mothers of these boys do not know the facts, would my right hon. Friend not consider some further publication?

Mr. Brown

I shall be very glad to do what I can, but I cannot see much more that we can do. We have had special posters and leaflets.