HC Deb 30 July 1942 vol 382 cc662-3
4. Major Lyons

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that a case was heard at the West London Police Court on 24th instant when a man was charged with, and acquitted of, being a deserter from military service; that some 12 months had elapsed since the medical examination and acceptance of this unreserved and non-deferred man, but no call up for service had been made upon him; and whether, in view of the increasing need for man-power in the war effort, he will institute inquiry to ascertain why such delays should be now permitted and to arrange a system for the immediate mobilisation of man-power and determination of liability when neither reservation nor deferment exists?

Mr. Bevin

The man in question was called up last April by an enlistment notice duly issued under the National Service Acts. With regard to the other points raised by my hon. and gallant Friend I am having inquiries made and will communicate with him.

Mr. Culverwell

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a great number of men of military age visited the House of Commons yesterday, and will he take steps to de-reserve those who are so anxious to form a second front?