§ Mr. J. Morganasked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the large responsibilities and business commitments, generally speaking, of the older classes under notice for military registration, he is considering giving such classes the right to engage legal aid in representing their circumstances to the various tribunals concerned?
§ Mr. E. BrownI presume the hon. Member is referring to applications for the postponement of their liability to be called up for service on the ground of exceptional hardship. The present Regulation does not permit counsel or a solicitor to appear on behalf of applicants before hardship committees or the Umpire. Full consideration has recently been given to this question, and it has been decided to modify the Regulation to the extent of permitting counsel or a solicitor to appear before the Umpire and also to appear before a hardship committee if he satisfies the committee that he is a relative or personal friend of the applicant. The necessary amendment to the Regulation will be made as soon as possible.