asked the Minister of Labour whether for humane reasons he will consider the desirability of permitting the exemption from military service of a widow's only son and the last surviving son of parents whose other sons have been killed on active service?

My right hon. Friend has no power to grant exemption in the circumstances mentioned, but application may be made on the ground of exceptional hardship for postponement of the liability to be called up for service.

Is he aware that there are of her reasons than those of a financial character, and that other lands have allowed this extension to widows' only sons? Is he aware of the peculiar tragedy of a woman who lost her husband in the last war and who now faces the possibility of losing her only son in this war? Cannot he do something in this regard on humanitarian grounds?

Financial hardship is not the only hardship to which committees have regard.

Is it not a fact that they have not yet taken into account these humanitarian considerations?

Each case is considered by a committee on its own merits.