HC Deb 12 March 1918 vol 104 cc150-2
5 and 7. Mr. KING

asked the Undersecretary of State for War (1) whether Maurice Applebaum, of Morriston, South Wales, a Russian Pole, born at Warsaw, is confined to Wormwood Scrubs for re- fusing as a conscientious objector to serve with the British forces; whether this man can now be released and allowed to return to his native country; (2) whether he is aware that Erie Fox, aged twenty years, has been four times court-martialled as a conscientious objector and is now awaiting his fifth court-martial at Dover; and whether, in view of recent promises against repeated convictions and the signs shown by Eric Fox of his mind being unhinged, his discharge from the Army will be considered?

Mr. MACPHERSON

I should be glad if my hon. Friend would furnish me with the name of the unit and the regimental number in these cases, if he wishes me to make inquiries.

12. Mr. BUTCHER

asked the Undersecretary of State for War what steps should be taken by a soldier who has been transferred to the W Reserve, and who, in consequence of disability, desires to be discharged from the Army; and whether a soldier who is suffering from disability caused or aggravated by military service is entitled to receive any pension while he remains in the W Reserve?

Mr. MACPHERSON

The answer to the first' portion of my hon. and learned Friend's question is that the soldier should report to his officer in charge of records, stating his case fully. As regards the latter part, a Class W Reservist is not entitled to receive any pension. It should be borne in mind that no soldier, under present circumstances, is transferred to Class W of the Reserve on other than compassionate grounds, unless definite employment is awaiting him.

Mr. BUTCHER

If he has been transferred, and if his state of health is so unfit as not to permit of his getting private employment, can he get his discharge and become entitled to pension?

Mr. MACPHERSON

I should like notice of the question. It raises a difficult point.

Mr. HOGGE

Is it not the fact that all the man has to do is to go before the Medical Board, and if he gets his discharge he becomes entitled to pension?

Mr. MACPHERSON

I think that is so.

29. Mr. WATT

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether his attention has been called to the case of Andrew Russell, at present serving his third term of imprisonment, this time for two years, in Duke Street Prison, Glasgow, as a conscientious objector; and, if so, can he see his way to advise the release of this man for work of national importance, in view of the facts that an assurance has been given by the Home Office that men who have twelve months of approved service and conduct will be returned to such work, and that the Act of Parliament made provision for bond fide conscientious objectors not being forced into the Army?

The SECRETARY for SCOTLAND (Mr. Munro)

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the remainder of the question, the relaxation to which my hon. and learned Friend refers applies only to men employed under the Committee on Employment of Conscientious Objectors, and not to a case such us that mentioned in the question.