§ 11. Sir William Davisonasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the irritation caused by the privileged position occupied by conscientious objectors detailed by the tribunals for agricultural work as compared with other agricultural workers and, in particular, with men in the armed forces of the Crown employed in agriculture, as they cannot be compelled to work overtime, and if they start at 7 a.m. they cease at 3 p.m., less three-quarters of an hour for refreshment plus half-an-hour for travelling if at a distance from work, while other agricultural workers with whom they may be employed have to continue at work until dusk without these special privileges; and whether steps will be taken to place conscientious objectors under some form of military discipline capable of controlling their work?
§ Mr. BevinThe National Service Acts provide that men may be registered as conscientious objectors conditionally upon their undertaking work specified by the tribunal, of a civil character and under civilian control; there is no reason why such men should be in a privileged position as compared with other workers. If my hon. Friend would give me particulars of any cases that he may have in mind, I would look into the matter. The suggestion that some form of military discipline should be applied in such cases does not seem to me to be a practicable one, quite apart from any question of principle that would be involved.
§ Sir W. DavisonI am obliged to my right hon. Friend for what he says; but is he aware that, so far as I am able to find out after having seen some of these men, no one has any control whatever over them? Does he not think that, having been excused military service, they should be under some discipline to make them discharge the agricultural service which the tribunals have allotted to them?
§ Mr. BevinI have no evidence to bear out the suggestion contained in the 691 question. I do not think I should be asked to give a reply unless I am sent evidence that these men are not carrying out their obligations.
§ Sir Joseph LambHas the attention of the right hon. Gentleman been called to an advertisement in an evening paper in which a theatrical association are asking conscientious objectors to apply to them for employment as male dancers?