9. Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTTasked, with regard to certain conscientious objectors arrested in Glasgow of whom the civil authorities at Barlinnie Prison, refused to accept custody and who were thereafter sent to Perth Prison and, after completion of their sentence at Perth, were returned to Hawick early in April, whether they were tried by court-martial at Craigmillar camp, Duddington, on 1st May; if so, with what result; and whether any opportunity has been given them of engaging in work under the Committee on the Employment of Conscientious Objectors?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative; these men were dealt with under Army Order X of 25th May, 1916, were found guilty of disobedience to orders and sentenced to imprisonment with hard labour. I am not aware whether they have appeared yet before the Central Tribunal. As I have already informed my hon. Friend, they will have an opportunity of appearing before the Central Tribunal, who will decide whether they shall be recommended for work of national importance under the Brace Committee.
Mr. SCOTTIs it not more than a month since they were sentenced by court-martial, and have no steps whatever been taken to give them an opportunity of engaging in work of public importance under the Committee for Conscientious Objectors?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONI do not think the War Office has anything to do with asking these men to appear before the Central Tribunal. They have to send in an application, and whenever there is an opportunity they will be heard.