asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the varying practice of different tribunals hearing applications for exemption from service in the Armed Forces on conscientious grounds, he will instruct or circularise tribunals on the advisability of taking evidence on oath?

I have no power to issue instructions to the tribunals in this matter, which by regulation is left to the discretion of the chairmen, who are all men of judicial experience.

asked the Minister of Labour whether his attention had been drawn to the recent granting by the South Wales military service tribunal of unconditional exemption as a conscientious objector to a man who told the tribunal that his objections were political; that he had fought for 21 months in the Republican Army in Spain and that he had killed and would kill again; and whether he has appealed against this decision?

I have seen a Press reference to this case and have called for a report. I will consider the question of an appeal when I have the facts before me.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not agree that according to this man's own statement he clearly did not come within the category of conscientious objectors as laid down in the Act?

I can make no ex parte statement on this matter. I will have all the facts before me and then give my decision.

Is it not a fact that a man who can fight in one war can fight in another?

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will reconsider the incidence of hardship affecting men in higher age groups with a view to enabling longer periods of exemption being granted in cases where it could be proved that small businesses would be closed down if the owner were called up for military service or where exceptional hardship would be imposed on the family of the man liable to military service?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Llanelly (Mr. J. Griffiths) on 11th April as regards postponement granted on the ground of business responsibilities and interests. There is no overriding maximum period in cases based on domestic circumstances.

Would it not be possible for an applicant after finishing his period of postponement to make an appeal on the ground of hardship?

That, of course, would depend upon the length of the postponement which had been allowed.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is yet in a position to announce the composition of the committee which he proposes to appoint in connection with the revised cost-of-living index?

I have decided that the further action required in connection with the revised cost-of-living index can best be carried out by the existing Advisory Committee, whose previous assistance in connection with the methods to be adopted in the conduct of the inquiry was so valuable. I am accordingly taking steps to invite the committee to undertake this additional task.