§ Mr. HINDSasked the Minister of National Service if he is aware that whole time preachers and evangelists of all medical categories who were previously exempted under Army Council Instruction 1,096, of 1916, are being summoned to the Colours; if he is aware that theological students who were exempted under the same Army Council Instruction are not being called to the Colours unless fit for service if over thirty-one in category A or if under thirty-one in category B1; and whether he will issue instructions to recruiting officers that whole-time preachers and evangelists shall be placed in the same position as the theological students, and not be called up for military service at present if classified in the lower medical categories?
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§ Sir A. GEDDESIn view of the present urgency of the demand for men of all medical grades and categories, I am not prepared to issue the instructions suggested by the hon. Member. The Instructions relating to preachers and evengelists were modified in March last after consultation with the representatives of the chief denominations, and preachers and evangelists who are not in Holy Orders or regular ministers of a religious denomination are, in the absence of any certificate of exemption from a tribunal, called up for military service. The Instructions relating to students apply to all students, and are not limited to theological students, and on completion of their education the students are called up for military service.