24. Mr. HAZLETONasked the Secretary of State for War if he is now in a position to say for what reason William G. H. Miller is at present under detention; was he tried by any Court, and, if so, what Court; what was the charge against him; and what was the result of the investigation?
§ Mr. FORSTERPrivate Miller was tried by District Court-martial at Hounslow on the 18th October, 1916, and sentenced to undergo detention for one year for the offence of disobeying a lawful command given by his superior officer, in that he did not undress for medical examination when ordered to do so by Lance-Sergeant Miller, Depot Royal Fusiliers. The accused pleaded guilty to the charge. Private Miller was convicted at Brentford Police Court on the 2nd October, 1916, for being absent when called up for service, fined 40s., and handed over to an escort.
§ Sir G. YOUNGERCan the hon. Gentleman say whether that refusal was on the ground of conscientious objection or not?
§ Mr. FORSTERI cannot say whether it was conscientious or not.
§ Sir G. YOUNGERWould the hon. Gentleman be good enough to inquire, because this is a very frequent way of getting out of the Service?
§ Mr. FORSTERYes, Sir, I will certainly inquire.