HC Deb 19 July 1926 vol 198 cc873-4
20 and 22. Mr. RENNIE SMITH

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) if he will give the House particulars of the Rhodesian Military Defence Bill;

(2) whether the Rhodesian Military Defence Bill includes a conscience clause and exemption for objectors to military service?

Mr. AMERY

I fear I can hardly summarise the provisions of this Bill, but I am sending the hon. Member a copy. The Bill which has not yet been discussed in the Southern Rhodesia Legislative Assembly, includes a provision permitting the exemption from combatant service in time of war of a citizen who bona fide belongs and adheres to a recognised religious denomination, by the tenets whereof its members may not participate in war.

Mr. CAMPBELL

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the Dutch East Indies they have had military service for a great number of years; that the men have to serve out there either in—

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Gentleman had better put that question on the paper.

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