HC Deb 10 August 1916 vol 85 cc1254-6W
Mr. GLANVILLE

asked the President of the Local Government Board if he can see his way to issue instructions to the tribunals to avoid such expressions appearing as, final, and without right to appeal?

Mr. LONG

I will give this matter my consideration.

Mr. GLANVILLE

asked the President of the Local Government Board how many shopkeepers and business men who have appealed for a rehearing of their cases by local tribunals have had their applications allowed; and what proportion this represents so applying?

Mr. LONG

I am not in a position to furnish the information desired.

Mr. MORRELL

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he is aware that the Sutton Coldfield tribunal are contravening the Regulations issued under the Military Service Act, 1916, by permitting two military representatives to take part in the proceedings of the tribunal; and whether he will take any action in the matter?

Mr. LONG

I am having inquiries made.

Mr. HUME-WILLIAMS

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in cases where it is proved to the satisfaction of an Appeal Tribunal that an applicant failed to apply for an exemption certificate because he was in a reserved occupation at the time that such application should have been made and thought he need not do so, he will give directions that the tribunals, if satisfied of the bona fides of the applicant, should grant his exemption if they think that the merits of the case warrant it?

Mr. FORSTER

Tribunals have certain discretion as to dealing with late applications. Instructions to tribunals are received by my right hon. Friend the President of the Local Government Board, but so far as the Army Council is concerned it is not considered desirable to deal specially with the particular cases mentioned by my hon. Friend.

Mr. GLANVILLE

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether his attention has been called to the fact that the Lewisham local tribunal refused exemption to Mr. C. E. L. Lock, of 30, Algernon Road, Lewisham, a conscientious objector to military service, on the grounds that being a bank clerk he would handle War Loan scrip, and therefore could not have a conscience in this matter; and, if so, whether, in view of the Military Service Act, he proposes to take any action in the matter?

Mr. LONG

I am not acquainted with the facts of this case; but if a man is aggrieved by the decision of the local tribunal his proper remedy is to appeal to the Appeal Tribunal.