HC Deb 14 August 1919 vol 119 cc1628-9
70. Mr. HIRST

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is now in a posi- tion to make the promised statement with regard to the reinstatement of those Civil servants who refused to undertake military service on conscientious grounds; and whether, having regard to the delay in coming to a decision, he will endeavour to expedite the matter?

Mr. BALDWIN

As the answer is somewhat long, perhaps the hon. Member will allow me to have it circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

The following is the answer referred to:

The Government has given careful consideration to this question, and has decided that heads of Departments may, if they so desire, re-employ Civil servants who were exempted from military service on conscientious grounds by their tribunal, or who were subsequently released on the advice of the Central Tribunal to take up work of national importance under the Brace Committee, and whose record of service under that Committee was satisfactory. But any men so employed will be engaged on a temporary basis, and be paid at their former actual rate of remuneration (without increment), or at the rate which would be paid to a temporary substitute performing the duty, whichever is the less, and the period of service will not count either for increment or for pension in their established posts.

Re-employment will not, however, be granted to any Civil servant who was notexempted from military service by his tribunal and who refused, or on the advice of the Central Tribunal was not allowed, to take up work of national importance under the Home Office Committee, or who, after undertaking work under that Committee, broke the conditions of release, and had to be recalled to prison or to the Army.