ACTION NOW

Evening Post, Volume CXXXIV, Issue 120, 17 November 1942, Page 4

ACTION NOW

E.P.S. DEFAULTERS

LIABLE TO PROSECUTION

Surprise and disappointment were expressed today by the Minister of Civil Defence (Mr. McLagah) at the failure of numer- . ous persons to fulfil their obligations to enrol in the E.P.S. "This kind of default is either gross carelessness or a deliberate shirking of duty in a national crisis," the Minister declared. "Several statements on this urgent matter have already been made; and t warnings of penalties have been issued, but delinquents continue to hold back. Action is now being taken to ensure compliance with the regulations. are again reminded that they are obliged to see that employees are enrolled for. service in the E.P.S. or Home Guard. As defaulters have had ample notice of their obligation, the authorities are determined to prosecute in cases of failure to enrol, whether the fault lies with employers or employees. "AH males of 18- to 65 years of age, inclusive, who are not actually serving in any branch of the armed forces (Navy, Army, Air Force, or Home Guard) are required to enrol in the E.P.S. The exemptions mainly are men in receipt of social security, invalid benefits, and inmates of hospitals. This means that men who are liable for military service but have not yet joined any branch of the armed forces, together with men discharged from' the armed forces, are required to enrol in the E.P.S., and all men of 35 to 50 years of age who i I are not already in the Home Guard must be enrolled for both the Home Guard and the E.P.S. They are required to serve in the E.P.S. until they are called up for duty in the Home Guard."