§ Mr. HOGGEasked the Minister of National Service whether he is recalling to the Colours time-expired men over forty-one as conscripts before all men under that age who are fit to fight have been called up?
§ Mr. BECKTime-expired men officially reported as wounded during the present War are freed by the recent Act from liability for further military service, conditionally on being engaged on work of national importance. Other time-expired men are called up for military service in the ordinary course if not in possession of any form of exemption. The hon. Member will remember that since the passing two years ago of the second Military Service Act, 1916, the fact that a man has been discharged time-expired has not relieved him from liability for further service. He will also recognise that an old soldier who has been already trained is of high military value. The hon. Member can, I think, not intend to suggest that all fit men up to forty-three years of age and engaged on shipbuilding, agriculture, or munitions, should be called up before any time-expired man over forty-one is summoned to the Colours.