HC Deb 23 May 1940 vol 361 c282
11. Mr. R. Gibson

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour whether he has considered the extreme hardship to a widow whose only son, or the last of several sons, is about to be called up; and whether he will take steps to secure the indefinite postponement of the calling up of such sons?

Mr. Assheton

I would refer my hon. and learned Friend to the replies given to the hon. Member for West Leyton (Mr. Sorensen) on 8th February and to the hon. Member for Llanelly (Mr. J. Griffiths) on 25th April.

Mr. Gibson

Will the Minister keep in view the position after the last war of French women particularly who lost an only son in the war?

Mr. Assheton

I think that the reply to which I referred the hon. and learned Member clearly shows that military service hardship committees are empowered to grant postponement in cases that they consider appropriate.

Mr. Sorensen

Is the Minister aware that they cannot give postponement of service indefinitely?

Mr. Assheton

There is no power, as the hon. Member is aware, to exempt under the Act. There is only power to postpone.