§ 16. Mr. AYLESasked the Minister of Labour whether she will see that no woman is deprived of her unemployment benefit because she refuses to take a post in an army canteen, either on the grounds that she is conscientiously opposed to war or to the handling of intoxicants; and that she is informed accordingly when such employment is offered?
§ Mr. LAWSONThe question whether benefit shall be withheld is decided, in accordance with the provisions of the Acts, by the special statutory authorities and my right hon. Friend has therefore no power to take the action suggested.
§ Mr. AYLESDo I understand that the Government are prepared to allow con- 1122 scientious objection at all times except peace time?
§ Mr. KIRKWOODIs the Parliamentary Secretary aware that I received a reply from the Minister of Labour saying that no individual who had not been in the habit of being in domestic service who refused to go into domestic service would be penalised?
§ Mr. LAWSONThe question deals with canteens. The point raised by the hon. Member for Dumbarton Burghs (Mr. Kirkwood) is one for the board of assessors and the court of referees, and he will remember that under the Act the decision of these cases was deliberately put outside the discretion of the Minister by the House.