§ Mr. THOMASasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that on a railwayman presenting himself at a recruiting depôt for enlistment he informed the officer in charge that he would have to wait for permission from his employers, the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway Company, before he could take the oath, but that the officer informed him that he may as well take the oath and if the company refused permission his papers would be cancelled; that he took the oath under these circumstances and was afterwards arrested by an armed escort, notwithstanding the fact that the railway company had refused permission for him to enlist, and that afterwards the railway company informed him he was dismissed the service of the company and would not therefore be entitled to privileges granted to other employés who have enlisted; and whether, having regard to the fact that cases of this kind must necessarily interfere with recruiting, he will have inquiries made immediately into the matter?
§ Mr. TENNANTThe War Office have no information about this case, but if my hon.2154W Friend will furnish me with the particulars of place, date and name I will have inquiry made.
§ Mr. THOMASasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that shortly after the outbreak of war the North British Railway Company issued a circular to their staff inviting members to enlist in His Majesty's Army and offering to make certain allowances to them, with the result that a large number of men responded; that, owing to military requirements, a further circular was issued at a later date notifying the staff that employés must obtain permission from the officials of the company before enlisting; that, notwithstanding this circular, a number of men anxious to serve His Majesty had enlisted without permission and have since made application for the same allowances as are granted to those who enlisted prior to the second circular being issued, and that their application has been refused; and whether, having regard to the fact that since then a large number of the staff have been released by the company to enlist, the Secretary of State for War will take steps to urge the railway company not to further prejudice those men who actuated by a genuine desire to serve their King and country?
§ Mr. TENNANTThis is a matter which primarily concerns the North British Railway Company. It appears, however, that the employés of this company who have enlisted enjoyed liberal terms, and that special provision has been made to meet any hardship arising in the case of those men who enlisted without the consent of the head of their department between the 7th September and 31st October.