HC Deb 14 November 1918 vol 110 cc2876-7
76. Mr. NUGENT

asked the Minister of National Service whether, in view of the cessation of the War, the prosecutions pending against persons for alleged evasion of military service will now be discontinued; and if those arrested or sent to prison will now be released?

Mr. BECK

Instructions were issued on the 11th instant cancelling all police notices concerning absentees and discontinuing all proceedings against absentees and for recruiting offences. It is not possible to reopen the cases of men who, previously to those instructions, had already been convicted by the Civil Service.

Mr. NUGENT

When will the cases of those who have already been before the Courts be considered?

Mr. BECK

As I have already said, it is not possible to reconsider the cases of men who have already been convicted.

Mr. NUGENT

What about the cases of those who have not been convicted, and against whom proceedings are pending?

Mr. BECK

As I have stated, all proceedings have been suspended.

Mr. WHITEHOUSE

Does the answer of the right hon. Gentleman refer to cases of men handed over from the military authority to the civil authority, the Home Office?

Mr. BECK

I had better have notice of that.