§ 15 and 16. Mr. KINGasked the Secretary of State for War (1) whether he has inquired into the eases of Private R. E. Pond, No. 24503, South Staffs, and Private Cooper, No. 24502, South Staffs: whether he is aware that these men, conscientious objectors, are university graduates of good character; why have they been kept sixteen weeks at Whittington Barracks, Lichfield, in prison or detention, though only sentenced to a few weeks; why are they being court-mar-tialled a second time instead of being put on furlough and their cases sent to the Central Tribunal according to Government promises; what action he proposes to take; whether his attention has been called to the case of A. J. Tyrrell, non-combatant camp, Wyke Regis, who attested when promised non-combatant work; whether attached to his papers is a statement signed by the recruiting officer, saying 837 "Promised non.-combatant work"; why this man is now being persecuted as a conscientious objector; and whether it is the policy of recruiting officers to sign statements promising non-combatant work and then to withdraw such promises?
§ Mr. FORSTERInquiry is being made into these matters, and the report when received will, with the hon. Member's permission, be sent to him by post so as to avoid the necessity for him to have to take any further trouble in the matter.