§ 11. Mr. J. Griffithsasked the Minister of Labour whether the hardship tribunals, in considering appeals for postponement of service, are empowered to take into consideration the number of members of the applicant's family already serving in the Forces; and whether he will consider issuing instructions to them in the matter in order that the burden of sacrifice shall be equalised, as far as is possible between families?
§ Mr. BevinThe circumstances to which my hon. Friend refers would be factors that could be taken into account by military service (hardship) committees and the umpire, in considering applications for postponement certificates. It would be improper for me to issue instructions to these independent statutory authorities, whose duty is to consider applications in the light of the National Service (Postponement Certificates) Regulations, 1939–1941.
§ Mr. GriffithsWill it, then, be in order for this to be urged as a ground of hardship, and for the local tribunals to deem that it is a hardship?
§ Mr. BevinI am not trying to define hardship. It is perfectly proper for anyone to urge any form of hardship before the tribunals.