§ 1. Mr. Ralph Ethertonasked the Minister of Labour how many men have claimed to be registered as conscientious objectors; how many have now had their cases dealt with by local tribunals; how many have been registered, and of those registered, how many have been ordered to undertake work of national importance; how many have found, and are now engaged in, such work; and what steps are being taken in regard to the remainder?
§ The Minister of Labour (Mr. Ernest Bevin)Up to the end of August, 51,261 men had been provisionally registered in the register of conscientious objectors, 26,447 applications had been considered by local tribunals and 12,868 men had been registered (conditionally or unconditionally) in the register of conscientious objectors. Of these 3,423 had been ordered to undertake civil work specified by the Tribunals other than their existing work, and 1,935 men had found such work. In regard to the remainder, the position is kept under constant review, and my Department gives them all possible assistance in finding the work specified. There is machinery for referring back to the local tribunal any case in which the man appears not to be observing the condition of his registration.
§ Mr. EthertonIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there seems to be a substantial number who have not found work which they were ordered to do, and is it possible to do something further with regard to them?
§ Mr. BevinI have offered the services of conscientious objectors to the Supply Departments, where that is possible, and to agriculture. My Department cannot provide employment, but can only put these people in touch with the Departments which do provide employment.