§ 80. Mr. J. Silvermanasked the Minister of Labour what directions or advice he has given to Military Service Hardship Committees, in implementation of his undertaking of 13th May, to give favourable consideration to applications from married men with children, where there were difficult home circumstances.
§ Mr. HeathApplications for postponement on the grounds of exceptional hardship are considered first by my officers who have been instructed to give special consideration to these types of case where experience has shown that exceptional hardship is likely to arise. Applications which are not granted must be referred for decision to Military Service (Hardship) Committees. These Committees are independent bodies and I cannot intervene in the discharge of their functions by giving them directions or advice.