§ Mr. KINGasked the President of the Local Government Board whether he is aware that many tribunals, notably by the-tribunal presided over by the hon. Member for Peckham, refuse to recognise educational work, either teaching in elementary schools or otherwise, as work of national 861W importance; and whether, in view of the shortage of teachers and the determination to continue popular education, he will issue an instruction to all tribunals that education is to be regarded as work of national importance?
§ Mr. HAYES FISHERI presume that the hon. Member has in mind the exemption of men on conscientious grounds. These exemptions may be made conditional on the men being engaged in work which, in the opinion of the tribunal, is of national importance. My right hon. Friend cannot interfere with the discretion thus given to the tribunals.
§ Mr. KINGasked the President of the Local Government Board, whether he is aware that many tribunals profess entire ignorance of the Pelham Committee for finding work of national importance for conscientious objectors and that, as a result, many men willing to serve the country in a civil capacity are now either idle, unemployed, or serving terms of imprisonment, and in either case are a burden rather than an aid to the nation; and whether he will now issue an instruction to tribunals giving them information of the activities and use of the Pelham Committee?
§ Mr. HAYES FISHERTribunals have already been informed of the appointment and of the address of the Committee.