§ 64. Mr. MAXTON(for Mr. McGOVERN) asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if he will raise the ban on the re-employment in Government Departments of conscientious objectors to military service in the late War?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Major Elliot)Under the general decision of 1920, civil servants who were conscientious objectors were made eligible for re-employment provided that they had conformed to the provisions of the law and carried out satisfactorily work of national importance where so directed. The hon. Member presumably refers to certain conscientious objectors who did not satisfy this proviso and were definitely dismissed. The position of these men has been re-examined by successive Governments, and the decision not to offer re-employment has on each occasion been reaffirmed. I see no grounds for reopening the question.
§ Mr. MAXTONHas the matter been reconsidered by the present Government?
§ Major ELLIOTIt has been considered by each successive Government. It has been reconsidered by this Government also.