§ Colonel ASHLEYasked the Undersecretary of State for War on what ground Edward Gregson, of 12, Moor Street, Kirkham, aged forty-two, a married man, was arrested on 26th June as an absentee and sent to Whitchurch; whether he is aware that this man had already once been medically examined in September, 1916, and was subsequently called up for re-examination at the Guildhall Street, Preston, recruiting centre on 15th June of this year, and was passed Grade 3; that he entered an appeal against his being called to the Colours on 26th June; that on 23rd June he received a letter saying that as he had been an absentee since 31st December, 1917, his appeal was invalid; that on 24th June he presented himself at the recruiting office, Preston, and having explained the circumstances was permitted to become a munition worker at Dick Kerr and Company's works in that town, and began to work there; that on 26th June he was arrested by the military and not allowed to return home; and whether, in view of the above and the fact that absentees are not called up for re-examination, he will at once direct that the man be released from the Army, into which he was illegally drafted?
§ Mr. BECKMy right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. I was not aware of the circumstances of the case 1869W to which the hon. and gallant Member refers. Inquiries are being made, and I will inform the hon. Member of the result as soon as possible.
§ Mr. RAMSAY MACDONALDasked the Minister of National Service whether his attention has been called to the case of Finlay Mackenzie, of Durnamuck, Dundonnell, Ullapool, the youngest of a family of six sons, five of whom voluntarily enlisted, and who is in charge of 20 acres of arable and 408 of hill pasture; whether he is aware that this man has been called up, and that in consequence the farm must be neglected or pass into other hands; and whether he will consider this case before taking final action?