§ 8. Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to a conflict at Knutsford between certain civilians and conscientious objectors; whether the conscientious objectors arm themselves with sticks for the purpose of defending themselves; and, if so, whether he will see that these men are drafted immediately into the Army so that their pugilistic tendencies may be utilised in the service of their country?
§ Sir G. CAVEMy attention has been called to this occurrence. I am informed by the chief constable that a series of attacks on conscientious objectors returning to their quarters at Knutsford developed on Sunday into an attack on fifty or sixty others who were standing outside the work centre. About half of these had sticks, apparently in anticipation of an attack, but only two or three of them were seen to defend themselves and these used their fists and not the sticks. The men were rushed by the crowd, who took possession of the sticks and used them. Summonses have been issued and the whole matter is being effectively dealt with.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEIs it not right that the Military Service Act says 508 that a conscientious objector is a man who objects to fighting, and surely this was fighting, and therefore they cannot be conscientious objectors?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member is not asking a question, but is arguing the matter.
§ Mr. KINGIs the same course taken with regard to conscientious objectors as against others? Are these conscientious objectors regarded as members of the public?
§ Sir G. CAVEI think some of the summonses were against persons who assaulted others, but, of course, we are dealing with the whole matter.
§ 79. Mr. SNOWDENasked the Undersecretary of State for War if he will inquire into the case of Private Padgett, No. G/18289, 13th Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment, now in No. 2 Military Prison, Rouen, formerly of the Royal Army Medical Corps, who has refused to obey military orders owing to a conscientious objection to military service; and whether he can be brought to England so that his case may come before the Central Tribunal, and an opportunity given him to undertake work of national importance?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Mr. Macpherson)I am making inquiries, and will communicate with my hon. Friend as soon as I am in a position to do so.