HC Deb 14 March 1916 vol 80 cc1867-8
43. Mr. SNOWDEN

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if instructions about their duties as military representatives on local tribunals have been sent to Colonel Pearson of the Swansea district and to Lieutenant Hudson of the Accrington District Tribunal; and, if so, will he send a further instruction to Colonel Pearson informing him that it is not the fact that conscientious objections only hold good so far as non-combatant units are concerned, as his remarks at the Llamsamlet Tribunal on 2nd March show that he is misinformed on the point; and will he also inform Lieutenant Hudson that his observation at the Oswaldtwistle Tribunal, that he did not think they ought to waste any time at all on conscientious objectors, is not in accord with the instructions to the tribunals that conscientious objectors should be so treated as to feel that their claims will be fairly and judicially considered?

Mr. TENNANT

I am communicating with Colonel Pearson and Lieutenant Hudson on the subject of my hon. Friend's question, and am inquiring into the circumstances.

44. Mr. SNOWDEN

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if Lieutenant Hudson, the military representative for the local tribunals in the Accrington Division, is a young man of thirty years of age; if he was lately the Conservative registration agent for the Division; and why an active young man is employed by the War Office as military representative on the tribunals instead of being on active service, when there are plenty of partially disabled military officers who might be competent to act as military representative on the tribunal?

Mr. TENNANT

I am informed that this gentleman is not fit for military service, and that he is in every way thoroughly suited for the duties entrusted to him. I know nothing about his politics, and I do not think that that should enter into the matter.

Mr. SNOWDEN

On what ground is he unfit for military service; is it because he is a minister of religion?

Mr. PRINGLE

Why not put him in the non-combatant group?

Mr. TENNANT

I think it is on physical grounds.

Mr. SNOWDEN

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that he is a playing member of the local cricket club?

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