HC Deb 24 May 1916 vol 82 cc2093-4
40. Mr. SNOWDEN

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if eighteen conscientious objectors, named, respectively, Elliott, Philcox, Hanson, Hitsburger, Pope, Gahagan, Baber, Fulford, Arnold, Sutherland, Pierce, Essan, Record, Tritton, Greenwood, Pendry, and Moate, who have been stationed at the Happy Valley, Shoreham, have been, or are about to be, sent to France, and, seeing that all these men are refusing to obey any military order, will he say what military advantage is expected from these men's services in France; and if, in the interests of national efficiency, he will take steps to have these men transferred to civil work of national importance?

Mr. TENNANT

No. 3 Eastern Company of the Non-Combatant Corps is now stationed at Shoreham, and has not been sent to France. In reply to the last part of the question I may say that the companies of the Non-Combatant Corps which have been sent to France are doing work of considerable advantage to the Army.

Mr. SNOWDEN

Is it not a fact that the Non-Combatant Corps to which the right hon. Gentleman refers does not contain men who are resisting?

Mr. TENNANT

No, Sir, I do not think my hon. Friend is correctly informed. I understand that certain Non-Combatant Corps now in France do contain persons who object to all kinds of military service, including non-combatant.

Mr. SNOWDEN

But they are not resisting.

99. Sir W. BYLES

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he is aware that Mr. Frank Elder, of Salford, claiming total exemption on conscientious grounds from military service, appealed from the Salford Tribunal to the Manchester Appeal Tribunal and was twice told by Sir William Cobbett that they could not grant total exemption to any conscientious objector; and, having regard to the provisions in the Military Service (No. 2) Act and to his explicit undertaking, will he say what steps he will now take to make the tribunals conform to the law?

The PRESIDENT of the LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD (Mr. Long)

I am communicating with the Appeal Tribunal on the subject.