HC Deb 09 April 1940 vol 359 cc466-7
67. Lieut.-Colonel Acland-Troyte

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been drawn to the promotion of Civil Service conscientious objectors who were exempted from military service 1914 to 1918 on grounds of conscientious objection over the heads of ex-service men of relative seniority and of admitted Departmental merit; and whether, in view of the present war emergency and the need for the support of the whole community to the war effort, he will reconsider the policy of His Majesty's Government as announced in this House on 12th July, 1938?

Sir J. Simon

As regards the first part of the Question, the selection of a particular individual for promotion is a matter for the head of the Department concerned, in the light of all the relevant circumstances. No preference is given over senior ex-service men of equal efficiency and I see no grounds for altering the decision conveyed by Treasury Circular of 10th September, 1929.

Lieut.-Colonel Acland-Troyte

Does the Chancellor of the Exchequer not realise that this circular has completely altered the position, and that men who have not done their duty to their country have been promoted over the heads of the men who have done their duty?

Sir J. Simon

My hon. and gallant Friend will realise that what he is referring to is a question that arose in an individual case 25 years ago, and I think the Treasury regulation was in the circumstances a reasonable one.