Sir F. HALLasked the President of the Local Government Board whether he is aware that there is a feeling that a considerable number of men have been exempted from military service for inadequate reasons; and whether, with a view to creating greater satisfaction, he will give instructions that wherever possible two or three members of each tribunal shall be discharged soldiers?
Mr. FISHERI am aware of the existence of a feeling that men have been exempted from military service for inadequate reasons, but I have received no reliable evidence that there is ground for this belief in the case of men who come before tribunals, and I may remind the hon. and gallant Member that these cases can be reviewed from time to time and that there is an unrestricted right of appeal from the local tribunals to the Appeal Tribunals. A large number of men are, of course, protected from military service otherwise than through tribunals. A general instruction on the lines suggested is not, I think, required, but in making appointments to tribunals I shall be happy to bear in mind the claims of discharged soldiers.