§ 75. Mr. STANTONasked the President of the Local Government Board if he is aware that a number of persons holding 221 pro-German views, well known locally as pacifists, who are openly opposed to winning the War, are sitting upon local tribunals in South Wales; if he is aware that loyal citizens are disgusted with this condition of things; and if he will at once make an order that only members who are prepared to swear their loyalty to King and country shall sit upon such tribunals?
Mr. WALSHI would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to him by my right hon. Friend on the 24th inst. My right hon. Friend does not think that an order such as is suggested is required; but the hon. Member can rest satisfied that he will consider any case where good evidence is brought to his notice that a member of a tribunal is not being guided by full regard for the national interests at the present time.
§ Mr. STANTONDoes not the hon. Gentleman think it is disgraceful that people of this character should be allowed on these tribunals? We can already prove the cases. Apart from that, even if they were fair, we know their views outside.
Mr. WALSHI can only say it seems to me that the answer I have given is quite comprehensive: that if it is brought to my right hon. Friend's notice that a member of a tribunal is not being guided by full regard to the national interest at the present time, further action will be taken.
§ Mr. STANTONThe hon. Gentleman has not replied to my question, which was whether such people should be allowed to sit on this tribunal unless they take the oath of allegiance to their king and country? I will put the question down again.