Mr. J. W. EDWARDS (Frontenac):

I desire to draw the attention of the Government, if their attention has not been already called, to an article which appears in this morning's Journal-Press, which, in describing the proceedings of an exemption tribunal held in the city of Hull yesterday, states that fourteen exemptions were granted, all the applicants being between

the ages of twenty and twenty-three. The cases cited are:

John Burns, burner, aged 22, claimed he was sole support. Disallowed.

George Oharron, merchant, 21, claimed ill-health. Allowed.

Louis Carufel, culler, 21, claimed domestic conditions render his presence necessary. Allowed till August 1, 1918.

Albert Bourgoin, papermaker, 20, claimed he was sole support. Allowed till Get. 1, 1918.

Oscar Demers, clerk, 20, Claimed1 he was sole support. Allowed till Oct. 1, 1918.

Auguste Guerin, employment not stated, 20, claimed domestic reasons. Allowed till Aug. 1, 191S.

Major-General MEWBURN (Minister of Militia and Defence): I saw in this momr ing's paper the article from which the hon. gentleman has quoted, and I immediately telephoned the Military Service Council, who had no knowledge or information regarding it, but are having the matter investigated. It is presumed, but I am not positive as to that, that these were claims that were pending under the Military Service Act on which decisions had not been given. Any appeals by young men between the ages of twenty and twenty-t'wo inclusive who come under the Order in Council, even if exemptions are allowed, are immediately and. automatically cancelled as the men are called up for service. The Military Service Council have promised to present a report on the matter, hut they say the explanation that I have given is the only way in which the matter referred to by the hon, gentleman can be accounted for.

Sir WILFRID LAURIER:

Do I understand from the answer which the Minister of Militia has given, that the tribunals are still sitting and that they have authority to grant exemptions?

Sir ROBERT BORDEN:

The tribunals,

of course, are still sitting, as their functions still continue. The effect, however, of the Order in Council, which has been approved by both Houses of Parliament, is this: Any exemptions heretofore granted, or now claimed, or that are now pending, are abolished in respect of men between the ages of twenty and twenty-two, both inclusive, or in respect of any other age that may be called out under the provisions of the Order in Council so approved. Do I make myself perfectly clear to my right hon. friend? Of course tribunals have to do their work, because until men of other ages are called ,out, the question of exempting them must still be determined by the various tribunals, and eventually by the central appeal judge. But as soon as men of any particular age are called out-and men from twenty to twenty-two years inclusive have been called out- this exemption, whether granted or claimed, ceases to be effective so far as they are concerned.

Sir WILFRID LAURIER:

That is what I understood. I understood that by the recent regulations, approved by this House, all exemptions granted by tribunals, were null and void.

Sir ROBERT BORDEN:

In respect of the y oung men of the ages mentioned.

Sir WILFRID LAURIER:

But do I understand that the tribunals are still sitting for the hearing of claims of men of other ages?

Sir ROBERT BORDEN:

Yes, because it is uncertain yet whether men of other ages will be called out under the provisions of that Order in Council. If they should not be called out then, of course, the question of exemptions would have to be dealt with.

Sir WILFRID LAURIER:

Then the

tribunals are sitting for other reasons than those specified in the last Order in Council?

Sir ROBERT BORDEN:

The tribunals

are sitting. As far as men between the ages of twenty and twenty-two years are concerned, it would not seem to me that the tribunals ought to deal with them once they have been called out.

Sir WILFRID LAURIER:

That is the way I understand it.

Sir ROBERT BORDEN:

I entirely agree with my right hon. friend. All the tribunals would have to say with respect to these men is, " This Order in Council has been passed, and it is of no further use to consider your exemption." But with respect to men between the ages of twenty-three and thirty-four, who have made claims for exemptions, their claims must still be heard.

Sir WILFRID LAURIER:

Pardon me again. This is a matter of isome importance and there may be some confusion abroad. I have understood that with regard to the men between the ages of twenty and twenty-two no exemptions are to be allowed.

Sir ROBERT BORDEN:

That is correct.

Sir WILFRID LAURIER:

And that with respect to men between the ages of twenty and twenty-two all the exemptions that have been' granted are of no account.

Sir ROBERT BORDEN:

That is quite so.

Sir WILFRID LAURIER:

If that be so, what is the use of the tribunals sitting?