§ 109. Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSasked the Postmaster-General whether any conscientious objectors who were imprisoned during the War have been reinstated in the postal service; and, if so, whether any back pay has been granted to them?
§ Mr. KELLAWAYConscientious objectors who failed to secure exemption from military service and served a term of imprisonment, but were released to take up work of national importance under the Home Office Committee, and performed that work satisfactorily, have been reinstated in the Post Office in accordance with a decision of the Government which applies to the whole Civil Service. No pay has been allowed from the Post Office to these men in respect of any part of their absence from Post Office duties.
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSWill the right hon. Gentleman say how many of these conscientious objectors are now employed in the Post Office?
§ Mr. KELLAWAYI asked for that information this morning, and it was not available, but I will get it.
Lieut.-Colonel J. WARDWill the time that these conscientious objectors were in prison, because they refused to serve or to defend the State, be counted for pension?
§ Mr. KELLAWAYI cannot say. I would like to examine that.
§ Sir W. DAVISONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that hundreds of men 1554 who served in the War have been refused employment by the Post Office?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat point does not arise out of the question. It must be put on the Paper.