§ 53. Sir G. BOWYERasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury how many conscientious objectors have been promoted in Government Departments over the heads of civil servants who served in the War?
§ Mr. PETHICK-LAWRENCEI have repeated the inquiry made for the purpose of replying to the same question put to me on the 17th of last month by the hon. and gallant Member, and the answer is the same, namely, three.
§ Sir G. BOWYERCan the hon. Gentleman now give me one reason for this preferential treatment?
§ Mr. PETHICK-LAWRENCEThe hon. and gallant Gentleman is quite incorrect in calling it preferential treatment. The information has been given before, but I will give it again. Promotions are made solely on the ground of merit and in the interest of the efficiency of the service.
§ Mr. W. J. BROWNWould it not be more correct to describe what has happened as the removal of disabilities which ought never to have been imposed?