HC Deb 18 June 1918 vol 107 cc187-8W
Mr. ANDERSON

asked the Minister of National Service whether his attention has been called to the complaints of men with small businesses that they are being granted altogether insufficient time to wind up these businesses or to arrange their affairs; that frequently when fair treatment has been meted out by local tribunals their decision is overruled by the Appeal Tribunal at the instigation of the National Service representative; that this state of things is in various districts arousing much feeling; and whether he proposes taking action in the matter?

Sir A. GEDDES

As the hon. Member is no doubt aware, the Regulations issued by the Local Government Board governing the applications to the tribunals for exemption from military service permit of an appeal being lodged against the decision of the local tribunal by either the applicant for exemption or the National Service representative. Where the Appeal Tribunal, after hearing the necessary evidence, are satisfied that the decision of the local tribunal should be varied, it is open to the Appeal Tribunal to grant such period of exemption as, in the opinion of the tribunal, will meet the case, and in these circumstances I do not consider that action is called for.

Mr. ANDERSON

asked the Minister of National Serivce whether he will investigate the case of F. M. Thompson, Grange-over-Sands, whose appeal has been dismissed by the Ulverston Tribunal; whether he is aware that this man, placed in a category lower than that of general service and forty-two years of age, is a widower having in his charge nine children, the eldest sixteen and the youngest one year, and has no one in whose charge these children can be left; whether he is aware that this applicant has faithfully carried out the conditions imposed upon him by the local tribunal that he should put in two days a week on agriculture; and whether, in all the circumstances, he will take steps to have this decision modified?

Sir A. GEDDES

Inquiries are being made, but I would remind the hon. Member that it is for the tribunal to decide whether exemption should be granted in any individual case.