§ 39. Mr. Sidney Shephardasked the Minister of Labour in what cases deferment or exemption is given from military service.
§ Mr. IsaacsI have no power to exempt anyone from his liability under the 201 National Service Acts. Deferment on industrial grounds is now confined to men engaged in coalmining or agriculture. These are not called up so long as they remain satisfactorily employed in those industries. Deferment is also granted to apprentices, learners and pupils for the professions, and to certain students in full-time attendance at approved courses. The call-up of men in the Merchant Navy, of railway foot-plate staff, and of key workers in the cotton industry is temporarily suspended.
§ Mr. ShephardBut is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that there is a very strong feeling in this country that, except on physical grounds, there should be no permanent deferment for any person; and can he say whether those who have been deferred during the last three or four years and have finished their apprenticeship have since been called up?
§ Mr. IsaacsI could not answer the latter question without notice. I think probably the answer will be found in the answer I have given to a previous Question. We have no information on the suggestion that we should now abandon the temporary deferment of agricultural and mining workers.