HC Deb 11 July 1940 vol 362 cc1308-9
2. Major Leighton

asked the Minister of Labour how many conscientious objectors from the Civil Service have been exempted from military service on condition they find work of national importance; how many have found such employment; and how many still remain in the Civil Service?

Mr. Bevin

Thirty civil servants have been ordered by the local tribunals to be registered as conscientious objectors conditionally upon their taking up work outside the Civil Service, and of these 13 have found such employment. Of the remaining 17, four were ordered to remain in their present employment by the Appellate Tribunal, which varied the local tribunal's orders in their cases; in five cases appeals by the men concerned are awaiting the Appellate Tribunal's consideration; one was registered unconditionally as a conscientious objector by the Appellate Tribunal and has now left the Civil Service; one was registered for ambulance work and is waiting for a vacancy in a training camp; six have not yet been able to find the work specified, and are keeping in touch with the Exchange.

Sir Irving Albery

In reference to the man who is awaiting admission to a training camp, is not immediate employment available with the L.C.C.?

Mr. Bevin

I cannot answer for the L.C.C.

3. Major-General Sir Alfred Knox

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has now ascertained the number of con- scientious objectors placed by tribunals on the register on condition that they undertake work of national importance; how many have found, and are now engaged, in such work; and what has happened to the others?

Mr. Bevin

Up to 27th June the tribunals had registered 4,514 men as conscientious objectors on condition that they remained in their present occupations and 2,282 on condition that they undertook work in new occupations. Of the latter 980 had found or been placed in such work. The remainder are required to do their utmost to comply with the condition as soon as possible, and to report on their efforts at monthly intervals. Most of the work prescribed in the 2,282 cases is agricultural or other work on the land, and this is also true of the 980 who had found the prescribed work. I have been in constant touch with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture with a view to arranging for the absorption of those men who have not yet secured agricultural work.

Sir A. Knox

Would it not be possible for these men to be formed into gangs to take over derelict land and really work it in the national interest?

Mr. Bevin

That question should be put to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture. I have arranged to hand the men over as soon as he is ready.

Mr. Levy

Would it not be wise for these men to be put into non-combatant work so that they shall not get any privileges or advantages over the men who really go to fight?

Mr. Bevin

I must have notice of that question.