HC Deb 30 May 1916 vol 82 cc2547-9
15. Mr. MORRELL

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether of the seventeen men who were recently taken from Harwich to France as members of the Non-Combatant Corps, while refusing on conscientious grounds to obey the orders given them, fifteen are now undergoing punishment in a field punishment barracks; and whether, in view of the fact that these men have shown by their endurance the genuineness of their conscientious objection, he will take steps to have them transferred to the civil power in accordance with the undertaking of the Secretary of State?

Mr. TENNANT

I am not aware that fifteen men are undergoing punishment in field punishment barracks. Field punishment is a not uncommon incident of active service, and it was never intended that every irregularity for which field punish- ment was awarded should lead to the delinquent being handed over to the civil authorities.

Mr. MORRELL

Would the right hon. Gentleman say whether there is any prospect of these men who were sent abroad under detention on 8th May now being brought back to this country?

Mr. TENNANT

I imagine that would depend upon whether the conscientious objectors whom my hon. Friend has in mind were awarded a punishment equivalent to imprisonment. If they were only awarded detention that would mean they would not be handed over to the civil authority, but if they were awarded punishment equivalent to imprisonment they would be.

Mr. WHITEHOUSE

Has the right hon. Gentleman received any recent report as to the position of these seventeen conscientious objectors and the punishment they are now undergoing?

Mr. TENNANT

I have already informed the House that all the information that has reached me is to the effect that these conscientious objectors are working peaceably and doing valuable work for the Army.

Mr. WHITEHOUSE

Is not the right hon. Gentleman confusing the members of the Non-Combatant Corps who have accepted that service with those who are conscientiously resisting this and other forms of military service?

Mr. TENNANT

Of course, it is impossible for me to be fully acquainted with all the personalities involved in the question. I cannot be certain that the seventeen or sixteen men of whom I am thinking are the same men of whom my hon. Friends are thinking.

Mr. WHITEHOUSE

Will the right Gentleman obtain a report?

Sir WILLIAM BYLES

Will the right hon. Gentleman inform the House how far the promise given is going to be carried out and when, namely, that these conscientious objectors who are being punished shall henceforth be punished by the civil and not the military authorities?

Mr. TENNANT

I have already informed the House as to the conditions required in order that these men shall be handed over to the civil authorities. I do not think I can say more.

Mr. EDMUND HARVEY

Would it not be possible to take steps to prevent these men receiving a perpetual series of punishment by detention, and so defeating the intention of the new Army order?

Mr. TENNANT

Oh, yes, I will certainly see to that.