HC Deb 25 April 1940 vol 360 cc342-3
5. Sir Richard Acland

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is satisfied that managers of Employment Exchanges understand the provisions of Section 6 (5) of the National Service Act, and draw the attention of those who are liable to be called up to them; whether he will issue a statement indicating the sort of special circumstances which would justify a man in asking for a postponement certificate before his medical examination; and how the application for such treatment should be made?

Mr. E. Brown

I am satisfied that the local officers understand the provisions in question and are prepared to advise inquirers as to the procedure to be followed. Men who wish to apply under these provisions for a postponement certificate before their medical examination are instructed to write to the allocation local office, the address of which is given to them, setting out the special circumstances in which the request is made. In view of the great diversity in the circumstances of individual cases, I do not think it would be practicable to issue a statement of the kind suggested.

Sir R. Acland

Would the Minister give one or two examples?

8. Mr. James Griffiths

asked the Minister of Labour whether the hardship tribunals, under the Military Service Acts, are empowered to grant postponement in cases where more than one member of a family are called up at the same time; and whether the Umpire has laid down any guiding principles in such cases?

Mr. Brown

Military Service (Hardship) committees are empowered, subject to any Umpire's decisions that may apply, to grant postponement in any case where they consider that exceptional hardship, as defined in the National Service (Postponement Certificates) Regulations, 1939, would ensue. The Umpire has not as yet laid down any guiding principles for cases in which more than one member of the family is called up at the same time.