§ 6. Mr. Rhys Daviesasked the Minister of Labour whether he has now reached a decision in the case of Stanley Miller, Aspull, Wigan, about which he has been informed, who is under 18 years of age, whose appeal to the local hardship tribunal was turned down though he is employed on work of national importance; and is he aware that his father has been on the sick list for about 10 years and that he has already six brothers serving in His Majesty's forces.
§ Mr. BevinI am arranging for a further medical examination and will consider the case again as soon as I know the result.
§ Mr. DaviesWhy should this case depend on a medical examination? The man has asked for deferment for three reasons, one being that he already has six brothers in the Forces. Surely he ought to secure deferment on that ground, if not on the other grounds?
§ Mr. BevinThe law does not allow me to waive the duty of going into the Forces because of the number in the family who are serving, and it is not for me to alter the law. In this case I learned that the man was in, I think, category Grade II, and as a lėtter has been received doubting that category, I think the best way of dealing with it is to have another medical examination.
§ Mr. DaviesI beg to give notice that I will raise this question on the Adjournment.