§ 25. Mr. KINGasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to the conditions of the conscientious objectors working under the Committee on Employment of Conscientious Objectors at Peewit Camp, Cawburn, Uphall, West Lothian; whether he is aware that eighteen men 1592 who are employed in the manufacture of manure are at present crowded in two tents and that there is no convenience for the drying and cleaning of the men's clothes which the nature of the work renders filthy and ill-smelling; and whether he will make inquiries with a view to providing sanitary conditions?
§ Sir G. CAVEThese men have been housed in tents in summer and in a lodging house in winter. In view of the distance of the lodging house from the works, a but is being built for the men and will be completed this week.
§ 48. Colonel WEDGWOODasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the war and peace situation, he can yet see his way to put an end to the continued imprisonment of conscientious objectors and grant them a general amnesty?
§ Sir G. CAVENo Sir. The release of these men from prison would leave them subject to the obligation of military service, and it would not be right to relieve them from that obligation, while it is still binding upon our soldiers who are in the field.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODAm I to understand from the right hon. Gentleman's answer that as soon as hostilities have ceased, there will be an opportunity of releasing these men? [HON. MEMBERS: "No, no!"]
§ Sir G. CAVEI cannot give any assurance to that effect.