HC Deb 09 December 1941 vol 376 cc1365-6
1. Colonel Arthur Evans

asked the President of the Board of Trade what action he has taken in the case of the South Wales conscientious objector who was employed as a schoolmaster at £350 per year and then given an appointment under the Board of Trade at £500 per annum, and subsequently granted exemption by the tribunal as long as he retains his present employment; and why has this man been placed in a privileged position compared with men serving in the fighting services of the Crown, at great financial sacrifice to themselves and their families?

The President of the Board of Trade (Sir Andrew Duncan)

At the time of this officer's engagement the Department was not aware that he had registered provisional conscientious objection under the National Service Acts. In these circumstances he was engaged on the higher salary mentioned, which was the salary appropriate to the post, but he is now transferred to another post carrying the same salary as he received when he first registered a provisional conscientious objection.

Colonel Evans

But apart from that, will not my right hon. Friend agree that it is—to say the least—singularly tactless to employ a conscientious objector in connection with the settlement of claims of loyal subjects who have suffered direct hurt and damage as a result of enemy action; and is not such a policy calculated to discourage the response required to the appeal which the Prime Minister made in the House last week?

Sir A. Duncan

It would have been tactless had it been known that he was a conscientious objector.

Colonel Evans

It was not known apparently at the time of appointment, but it was known subsequently, and is it not the fact that had it not been for the representations made to the Board of Trade, this officer would still be employed?

Sir A. Duncan

No, Sir, that is not so. When it was known, steps were taken to have his occupation changed.

Sir Herbert Williams

Will my right hon. Friend say how a man can conscientiously engage in the war effort and at the same time be a conscientious objector?

Sir A. Duncan

It is a matter of his conscience, not mine.