HC Deb 09 May 1940 vol 360 c1370
5. Mr. Roland Robinson

asked the Minister of Labour under what circumstances applicants for registration as conscientious objectors have been granted the privilege of a hearing in camera before local tribunals?

Mr. Assheton

By Regulation 19 of the National Service (Armed Forces) (Miscellaneous) Regulations, 1939, the hearing of cases before conscientious objector tribunals is in public unless this chairman in any particular case for special reasons directs otherwise.

Mr. Robinson

Are there any rules governing the discretion of the chairmen of the tribunals? Is it not to the public advantage that they should sit in public whenever possible?

Mr. Assheton

This is a matter in the hands of the chairmen of the tribunals.