§ 23. Mr. KINGasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that on 23rd February last an inquiry was held into the conduct of the conscientious objectors at the Knutsford work centre; that as a result sixteen men were heavily fined; and that the charges brought against five others were dismissed because the agent's and sub-agent's evidence was disproved; whether complaints had been made that the language of the agent was mostly of an abusive and disgusting character, and that he was frequently under the influence of drink, also the sub-agent could never be interviewed without getting into a passion and using improper language; and whether the sixteen men who were last February condemned to punishment will now, in view of these facts, be reinstated?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Brace)There has been no such inquiry at Knutsford; but the hon. Member probably refers to an inquiry held, on the date mentioned, at Buxton, concerning the men employed under the Buxton lime firms, and I would refer him to the answer given on the 11th March to a question by the hon. Member for Blackburn. The inquiry was conducted by my colleague, the hon. and gallant Member for Gloucester, who was satisfied that the men referred to in the question were guilty of serious idleness, and I think the reduction in pay recommended by him was fully justified. The allegations referred to by the hon. Member do not affect his decision. I will, however, make inquiry as to the subsequent industry and conduct of the men, and, if I receive a satisfactory report, will direct that they shall now be restored to full pay.