HC Deb 02 November 1916 vol 86 c1802
98. Colonel GRIFFITHS

asked the Secretary of State for War whether instructions have been recently issued to stop conscientious objectors digging graves in France-within five miles of the trench line; if so, whether this was a Government instruction to the War Office; and if he can state whether genuine conscientious objectors object to digging the graves of British soldiers whose deaths are caused by the enemy?

The SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Mr. Lloyd George)

The only instruction issued to the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief in France limiting the work on which the Non-Combatant Corps may be employed is that they may not be employed in the firing line; the second part of the question, therefore, does not arise. I have no information as to the third part.