HC Deb 03 July 1940 vol 362 c834
42. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will reconsider the limitations upon the granting of postponement of military service to owners of one-man businesses on the ground of hardship, so that it will be possible, in exceptional circumstances, to grant longer periods of postponement than the maximum of two periods of six months?

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour (Mr. Assheton)

Postponement certificates granted on the ground of business responsibilities and interests, but not those granted on the grounds of domestic position or individual circumstances, are subject, by Regulation, to a maximum of 12 months. My right hon. Friend is not prepared in present circumstances to amend the Regulation so as to permit that maximum to be extended.

Mr. Sorensen

Is the hon. Gentleman not aware that there are certain cases where very great hardship is inflicted on one-man businesses?

Mr. Assheton

I am aware of that, but unfortunately hardship is quite inescapable in time of war.