§ 25. Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the men classed as conscientious objectors and stationed at Prince-town use the Toggintor Wesleyan chapel for what they call propaganda work; that here they foregather for the purpose of preaching class hatred and discussing what they regard as the coming revolution; and will he consider the advisability of confining the men, the majority of whom have been temporarily released from serving sentences of imprisonment, within the precincts of the prison grounds?
§ Sir G. CAVEThe Committee have made inquiries, but have not been furnished with any evidence confirming the statements contained in the question, which are denied by the minister of the chapel. This being so, I do not see my way to taking any action at the present time.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEWill the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Committee made inquiries on the spot?
§ Sir G. CAVEThey made inquiries of persons on the spot.
§ 37. Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEasked the Home Secretary under what authority the Committee of Employment of Conscientious Objectors are paying the contributions, less 1d., of men engaged at Prince-town and similar centres, insured under the provisions of Part I. of the National Insurance Act; whether, in the case of sailors and soldiers similarly insured, 1½d. is deducted; and why this invidious distinction is made?
§ Sir G. CAVEThe Committee are authorised by their terms of reference to make such arrangements in matters of this nature as may appear to them to be proper, subject to the consent of the Treasury, which has been duly obtained. The pay of a conscientious objector is loss by one-third than the pay of a private soldier, i.e., 8d. instead of 1s. a day, and the deduction made from his pay in respect of insurance has therefore been fixed at two-thirds of the deduction made from the soldier's pay.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEIs the basis considered a fair one when it is reckoned as wages, in view of the fact that one man risks his life for the country and the other man shirks his duty?
§ Sir G. CAVEI do not compare the two kinds of employment at all.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEIt is a question of the basis of payment.