HC Deb 20 June 1918 vol 107 cc523-4W
Mr. WATT

asked the Minister of National Service whether it is the intention of his Department to abandon the present system of having voluntary unpaid National Service representatives at tribunals and to institute whole-time paid representatives; if inquiries are at present being made to get solicitors to do this work throughout the country at salaries of £300 to £350 per annum; and, if so, by how much is it anticipated will this increase the expenditure of his Department?

Mr. BECK

It is intended to appoint a small number of whole-time National Service representatives, and this will render unnecessary the work now voluntarily performed by certain gentlemen in various parts of the country. This change in policy is rendered necessary by the ever-increasing complexity of the recruiting system and the absolute need of having uniformity of practice before the tribunals. The appointment of these whole-time men will greatly decrease the total number of National Service representatives. No inquiries are being made to secure solicitors for this work; it is intended in each appointment made to give preference to men who are disabled after having served overseas in the fighting forces. It is not anticipated that, in view of the reduction in total numbers, there will be any substantial increase in expenditure, and it is believed that as a result of these appointments there will be increased efficiency, which will tend to continue the present satisfactory decline in the cost per head of recruits raised.