HC Deb 30 November 1916 vol 88 cc459-60
59. Sir J. LONSDALE

asked the Home Secretary how many conscientious objectors are located in Wakefield Prison, and what is the nature of the work upon which they are employed; if these men are free to leave the precincts of the prison every evening and to go to their homes for week-ends; and if he is aware that the reports of these men that they are employed only on light duties and are allowed ample liberty encourage other men to plead conscientious objection in order to escape military service?

The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Herbert Samuel)

The number of men now employed by the Committee on the Employment of Conscientious Objectors in their establishment at Wakefield is 566. They are engaged in foundry work, weaving, building, the manufacture of mats and mailbags, vegetable growing, tailoring, and boot-making and repairing. A certain number of men are also employed on the necessary cooking, cleaning, and clerical work. Subject to good behaviour, the men are free to leave the building between the hour of stopping work and the hour for closing the building. The Committee's agent who is in charge of the establishment may give individual men permission to be absent over Sunday. As regards the third part of the question, the matter is one for the decision of the tribunals, by whom all these cases are considered. I may add that the Committee hope shortly to be in a position to transfer a considerable number of the men now at Wakefield to other work.

99. Mr. HUDSON

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether the granting of conditional exemption to a conscientious objector upon his taking up work of national importance relieves him from the control of the military authorities; whether men so exempted are still under orders from officers appointed for recruiting work; and whether the military officer has a right to intimate that he can order the arrest of such persons at any time as absentees?

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

Perhaps the hon. Member will be good enough to address this question to the War Office.