§ Sir D. Thomsonasked the Minister of Labour whether it is in order for a hardship committee to inform an applicant for deferment that his application would only be granted on condition that he took steps to dispose of his business.
§ Mr. IsaacsThe postponement Certificates Regulations, made under the National Service Acts, provide that applications for postponement on business grounds should only be granted to enable alternative arrangements to be made for carrying on the business, or for its disposal. The period of postponement granted should be the time which the applicant might reasonably be expected to require to make such arrangements. In an exceptional case, after an appropriate period of postponement, a Hardship Committee might therefore indicate that a man must take steps to enable him to fulfil his military obligations, even if it meant the disposal of his business, as it has no power to grant indefinite postponement of military service. If the hon. Member has any particular case in mind and will furnish details, I will look into the matter.