§ Sir H. NIELDasked the Undersecretary of State for War how it was that William Goldsmith, now serving in the Army, No. 254471, B Company, 3rd City of London Regiment, Royal Fusiliers, stationed at Dettingen Barracks, Black-down Camp, was enrolled in the Army notwithstanding that, an application for his exemption was at the time pending before the Chiswick Local Tribunal, who had adjourned it for Goldsmith to be medically examined; whether a request was sent by the local tribunal to the War Office on the 20th December last, asking that the man might be sent back to the tribunal as a civilian; whether, in consequence of this communication not having been answered, two further letters were sent to the War Office, namely, on the 9th January and 8th February, 1918, all of which are still unanswered; if he will explain this action 1001W and state by whom it was directed or committed; and why the tribunal's letters have been treated with contempt?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONThe first part of my hon. and learned Friend's question is for the Ministry of National Service. As regards the latter part, I regret the delay in acknowledging the tribunal's communications and in keeping them informed of the action taken. The case, however, was one of considerable difficulty, due to the man's non-compliance with the instructions on his calling-up notice. A recommendation has now been received from the Ministry that he should be relegated to Army Reserve, Class B, to enable his case to be heard by the local tribunal.