§ 27. Mr. JOWETTasked the President of the Local Government Board if his attention has been called to the proceedings of the Doncaster rural district tribunal at the hearing of the case of a conscientious objector when the tribunal in question declined to admit the public or the friends of the applicant, although two reporters representing newspapers known to be unsympathetic to conscientious objectors were admitted; if he is aware that the 2235 tribunal also permitted the reporters already referred to to remain whilst the case was being discussed, although the applicant himself was asked to withdraw; if he is aware that the applicant was repeatedly insulted and abused by the tribunal, although he behaved courteously himself and offered no provocation whatever; and whether he will repeat to the Doncaster rural district tribunal the advice contained in his circular relating to the constitution and procedure of tribunals, which the members of the Doncaster rural district tribunal have apparently overlooked, part of which advice is to the effect that men who apply on this ground should be able to feel that they are being judged by a tribunal which will deal fairly with their cases?
§ Mr. LONGI may refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave on Tuesday to a question on this subject by the hon. Member for North Salford.
§ 31. Sir WILLIAM BYLESasked the President of the Local Government Board whether his attention has been drawn to a report of the proceedings of the Lunes-dale tribunal, at Hornby, on the 8th instant, and to the contemptuous treatment there meted out to conscientious objectors; whether there is anything in the Military Service Act, 1916, which justifies abuse in cross-examination to which these religious-minded young men were there subjected; and whether he will so instruct the local tribunals that a more dignified and judicial temper shall be shown to honest objectors who only claim the protection which the Act of Parliament gives them?
§ Mr. LONGI am about to issue a circular to the tribunals, in which reference will be made to this matter.
§ 64. Mr. PETOasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to an advertisement in the "Western Chronicle," published at Yeovil, offering to assist young men in preparing statements of conscientious objections for tribunals; and whether he intends to take any steps to prevent the manufacture of so-called conscientious objectors?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the-HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Herbert Samuel)I have not seen the advertisement in question, but I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which 2236 I gave on the 7th March to the hon. Member for the Blackpool Division as to offers of assistance to persons seeking to avail themselves of the conscientious objectors Clause in the Statute.
§ Mr. PETOIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that classes are regularly held to teach so-called conscientious objectors how to object conscientiously?
§ Mr. SAMUELIt is the case that the organisation has been carried to a somewhat high pitch.