48. Colonel THORNEasked the Prime Minister whether the Government have been considering the advisability of releasing all the conscientious objectors, 1370 political prisoners, and soldiers who have committed various offences, at the signing, of peace, so that they may have an opportunity of joining in with the country's, peace celebrations?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe Government has decided that demobilisation is now sufficiently advanced to justify them in approving of the proposal of the Army Council for dealing with soldiers of various classes, including conscientious objectors, who have committed offences under the Army Act and in consequence have been sentenced to imprisonment. All such soldiers will be discharged from the Army for misconduct and, if and when they have completed a total of two years' imprisonment in the aggregate in this country, they will be released from prison.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEDoes not the right hon. Gentleman see the unfairness of that decision of the Government, when it is taken into consideration that there are men now serving under the Compulsory Service Acts who will have to serve for some time to come?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLAll these considerations were present in my mind and in the mind of the Government when this decision was taken.
§ Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCKHas the facilitation of the discharge of one-man business men been considered? Will they be included?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLIt has nothing to do with that.
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat does not arise out of the question.