§ Mr. ROWNTREEasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Mr. F. G. Taylor, of West Ham, appeared before the West Ham local tribunal, when his claim was disallowed; that an appeal was lodged within the statutory time, but that during the interval he was illegally arrested and handed over to the military; whether he is aware that Mr. Taylor was permitted by the military authorities to go before the Essex Appeal Tribunal on the 18th January last, who gave him work of national importance which he obtained with the Marylebone Council electric supply; and whether he will order this man's release?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONI am informed that when F. G. Taylor received a notice to report for service there was no valid application for his exemption outstanding before the tribunals. He failed to report-to the call, was arrested, and handed over by the Civil Court as an absentee on the 13th December. He had appealed, but withdrew his appeal. Shortly before his arrest he had lodged an application for the rehearing of his case by the Essex Appeal Tribunal, but an outstanding application for the rehearing of a case does not preclude the posting of the applicant. Under the Regulations governing the procedure of tribunals it is provided that a case shall not be reheard after a man has joined the Colours except with the consent of the Army Council. No such consent was given in Taylor's case. No special action can be taken in the matter.