DODGING SERVICE

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2711, 4 March 1916, Page 5

DODGING SERVICE

' STATEMENT BY LORD DERBY By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright London, March 2< Lord Derby, speaking in the House of ■ Lords, said he was concerned about the numbers of official and other exemptions. There was no doubt that mon were getting into various occupations l'or which'they were quito ur.suited in; order to'avoid service. He'suggestedthat no, single man under thirty-one - years o£ / age should be allowed exemption on the grounds of starred; badgea, or reserved occupations. The Government must be prepared to make far stronger measures if it desired to get the number required. Lord Derby suggested that single'men and married men ought not to be considered starred-"-unless thfey_ held their present position or one of similar character previous to August 15. He implored the members of the House to take the 'strongest line on the exemption question and thus liave the country at their backs. Lord Derby oxpressed .profound contempt, for the small and insignificant body of the House of Commons who were whittling away the country's military strength, and regretted that Sir John Simon's influence was being used for such a purpose. ' Lord Derby also stated that spurious medical rejection forms were fetching. 40s. to 60s. apiece.' Although no married men were to be conscripted, 130.000 . had attested,, including 4500 yesterday.