§ 2. Mr. SIMMONSasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that numbers of girls in the Birmingham district have been deprived of their unemployment benefit for a period of six weeks in consequence of their refusal to accept service in Army canteens; whether their parents' consent was obtained before they were offered this employment; and if conscientious objection to any form of military service is taken into account in such cases?
§ 26. Mr. LONGDENasked the Minister of Labour if he is aware of the denial of unemployment benefit to several young women in Birmingham because of their refusal to accept work in military canteens; and whether he will instruct the local officers not to insist upon the acceptance of such work away from home as a condition for the receipt of benefit?
§ Sir H. BETTERTONI am making inquiries regarding these questions and will communicate with the hon. Members as soon as these are completed.
§ Mr. SIMMONSWill the hon. Gentleman take into consideration the fact that conscientious objection to military service was recognised during the War, and bear that point specially in mind?
§ Sir H. BETTERTONAs the hon. Member knows, this question was fully considered by my predecessor, and, as at present advised, I see no reason to alter the course she took.
§ Major COLFOXCan serving in a grocer's shop be regarded by any stretch of the imagination as military service?