HC Deb 07 June 1917 vol 94 cc298-9
38. Mr. STANTON

asked the Home Secretary if he is aware of the fact that the conscientious objectors working at the Mountain Ash reservoir at Penderyn are allowed to go home to Merthyr Tydvil for week-ends; that such visits are used to spread their pro-German peace views; that such visits are greatly responsible for the unrest among the miners in the district; whether he is aware that the Merthyr district of miners has become affiliated with the Union of Democratic Control; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?

The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Sir G. Cave)

Except that one man was allowed to attend the funeral of his father, and another to attend the funeral of his mother, no leave, whether week-end or otherwise, has since 23rd April been granted to any of the men employed under the Committee on Employment of Conscientious Objectors at Penderyn. The remainder of the question therefore does not arise.

43. Mr. CHANCELLOR

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the option to reconsider their position and accept non-military work under the Home Office scheme is being denied to conscientious objectors who are in prison for refusing that scheme; and whether he will encourage prisoners to exercise such option by employing them on work of national importance so soon as they are willing to do it, thus relieving the public of the burden and expense of maintaining them in idleness in prison?

Sir G. CAVE

The Committee on Employment of Conscientious Objectors is empowered to deal only with those persons in whose case the Central Tribunal reports that they should be treated as conscientious objectors. Any such person, even if he at first refuses to accept the conditions of release for the purpose of performing work of national importance under the Committee, may do so at any time, and the necessary steps will be taken for his release.

Mr. CHANCELLOR

Will the effect be, if the person applies for permission to carry on work of national importance, to ensure that purpose?

Sir G. CAVE

I cannot say in all cases, but he is at liberty to apply.