§ 51. Earl WINTERTONasked the Prime Minister if it is the intention of His Majesty's Government, following the policy of the two preceding Governments, rigidly to exclude from service at the Air Ministry, Ministry of Pensions, War Office, and Admiralty, respectively, any permanent or temporary civil servant who was a conscientious objector during the War?
Mr. GRAHAMNo change has been made in the policy adopted in regard to Civil Service conscientious objectors. This policy is fully explained in the Report of the Select Committee (No. 69 of 1922), of which I am sending the Noble Earl a copy. It will be observed that the approved policy is not quite as stated in the question as it involved the retention in the permanent service of certain conscientious objectors who had complied with all the requirements of the law. The question whether any of the particular men concerned are or will be employed in the Departments mentioned is a matter for the Ministers respectively in charge of those Departments, but in fact I am informed that none are there employed.
§ Earl WINTERTONWhen the hon. Gentleman says "no departure has been made," are we to understand that no departure is going to be made? The question on the Paper is "if it is his intention." Can he give us an assurance in this matter, in which we on this side of the House feel very strongly, that there will be no departure from the existing policy?
§ Mr. WALLHEADWill the hon. Gentleman include in his reply what the Government's policy is with regard to the unconscientious objectors who stayed at home to make money out of the War?
Mr. GRAHAMI suggest that both questions perhaps should be addressed to the Leader of the House, but the short position is that effect has been given to the Report of the Select Committee which 40 very carefully considered this matter, and I cannot see at the moment any likelihood of a departure from that practice. That, I am afraid, is the fullest reply I can give.