§ 8. Sir A. Knoxasked the Minister of Labour how many conscientious objectors placed by Tribunals on the register on condition that they undertook work of national importance, have now found and are occupied in such work, and how many have remained in their former occupation?
§ Mr. BevinI am taking steps to obtain the information asked for by my hon. and gallant Friend and will communicate it to him as soon as possible.
§ 25. Mr. Lewisasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that the Norwich City Council reported, on 18th June, that at least 40 per cent. of the members of their staff affected by military registration have registered as conscientious objectors; and whether he will have inquiries made to see what subversive influence is at work in the city of Norwich to bring about this state of affairs?
§ Sir J. AndersonMy hon. Friend has been given an erroneous figure. My information is that 125 men of the staff of the Norwich Corporation have registered for military service or joined the Forces voluntarily, and that the number who have registered as conscientious objectors is 16, of whom four are undertaking non-combatant service in the R.A.M.C. My inquiries do not indicate that there are grounds for suspecting the existence in this city of special influences of a subversive character, but, in present circumstances, the danger that pacifist propaganda may be misused for purposes prejudicial to the national interest cannot be ignored, and this matter is receiving my close attention.