59. Mr. EDMUND HARVEYasked the President of the Local Government Board whether his attention has been called to the case of a conscientious objector who appeared before the local tribunal at Harpenden, on 22nd February, and stated that, being unable to undertake any kind of military service, he was prepared to undertake work of national importance, whereupon the tribunal refused to consider any such suggestion and, on the applicant's referring to the speech of the Home Secretary, made in the House with reference to this point during the passing of the Military Service Act, 1916, informed him that they had no time to read speeches, and that the tribunal was not a debating society; and whether, in view of his own instructions and the expressed intentions of the Act of Parliament, he will take steps to prevent similar action in the future?
§ Mr. LONGI have seen a copy of the application and a note of the decision of the Committee who exempted the man from combatant service. He has, I understand, appealed from the decision. The case does not seem to demand any action on my part.
Mr. HARVEYDoes the right hon. Gentleman not see that the question I have raised is that the tribunal refused to consider the applicant's desire that he might undertake service of national importance. This is a governing case. It is of vital importance to people that the tribunal should have considered an option that was given by Parliament in the Act?
§ Mr. LONGThe information before me does not agree with the statement made by my hon. Friend. I have seen an account, a brief account, in which they appear to have considered the whole case. They have exempted the applicant from combatant service, and he, if not satisfied, can appeal, which he has done.
Mr. HARVEYHas the right hon. Gentleman not read the full account which I handed to him and in which it is clearly stated that the tribunal would not consider this point?
§ Mr. LONGThey have considered it, because they have granted exemption from combatant service. If he is not satisfied, there is an appeal; but it is quite obvious they have considered it.
Mr. HARVEYThe tribunal said they would not consider this offer. It is not considering it if they at once say they will not consider it. I wish to give notice that at an early date I shall raise this question, if the President of the Local Government Board is not able to make a public statement which will be of some assistance to tribunals.
§ Mr. SPEAKERWe cannot accept conditional notices.