HC Deb 21 March 1917 vol 91 cc1926-7W
Sir W. BEALE

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he will give instructions to the military representa- tives to refrain from appealing from the decisions of the tribunals in the case of blacksmiths' assistants engaged in shoeing horses and making and repairing agricultural machines and implements essential for enabling farmers to produce food, without previous inquiry as to the endeavours of such blacksmiths to procure substituted labour; whether he is aware of the waste of time and delay of work caused by summoning and resummoning such assistants after short periods of exemption without duly consulting the agricultural committee in Ayrshire; and if he will call the attention of the local military representative thereto?

Mr. MACPHERSON

Inquiries are being made, and my hon. Friend will be informed of the result.