§ 36. Mr. MORRELLasked the President of the Local Government Board if he is aware that the Central Appeal Tribunal, in considering the case of H. F. Runacres, formerly a theological student of Pusey House, Oxford, who claimed exemption on conscientious grounds, decided that his objection was a political one, and that such an objection was not a conscientious objection within the meaning of the Act; whether he is aware that the claims of many Socialists and other persons who do not plead a religious objection have been refused on this ground; and whether he 17 will take steps to represent to the tribunals that this supposed antagonism between politics and conscience ought not to be made a ground of refusing relief to a sincere and genuine applicant?
§ Mr. LONGI have no authority to give directions to the Central Tribunal in this matter. I see no reason to differ from the decision of the Central Tribunal in the case to which reference is made.
§ Mr. MORRELLAre we to take it that the Local Government Board holds that politics and conscience are necessarily incompatible?
§ Sir G. YOUNGERIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the statement in the question about Socialists is not in the least correct?
§ Mr. PRINGLEIn view of occurrences in the Cabinet, will they not have more sympathy with conscientious objectors?