§ 14. Mr. Ralph Ethertonasked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the varying practice of different tribunals hearing applications for exemption from service in the Armed Forces on conscientious grounds, he will instruct or circularise tribunals on the advisability of taking evidence on oath?
§ Mr. E. BrownI have no power to issue instructions to the tribunals in this matter, which by regulation is left to the discretion of the chairmen, who are all men of judicial experience.
§ 22. Mr. Radfordasked the Minister of Labour whether his attention had been drawn to the recent granting by the South Wales military service tribunal of unconditional exemption as a conscientious objector to a man who told the tribunal that his objections were political; that he had fought for 21 months in the Republican Army in Spain and that he had killed and would kill again; and whether he has appealed against this decision?
§ Mr. BrownI have seen a Press reference to this case and have called for a report. I will consider the question of an appeal when I have the facts before me.
§ Mr. RadfordDoes the right hon. Gentleman not agree that according to this man's own statement he clearly did not come within the category of conscientious objectors as laid down in the Act?
§ Mr. BrownI can make no ex parte statement on this matter. I will have all the facts before me and then give my decision.
§ Mr. ThorneIs it not a fact that a man who can fight in one war can fight in another?