HC Deb 25 February 1943 vol 387 cc272-3
5. Mr. Reakes

asked the Minister of Labour what are the figures over the present war period showing the percentages of those of both sexes who have appealed on grounds of conscientious objection against service with His Majesty's Forces?

Mr. Bevin

About 65,000 men and 2,500 women have applied for registration as conscientious objectors to military service. This represents on the average 86 out of every 10,000 men registered and 27 out of every 10,000 women. The numbers for men have fallen in successive registrations from 222 per 10,000 in October, r939 to 36 per 10,000 in 1942.

Captain Godfrey Nicholson

Is it not a fact that the figures for England are lower: than those for other parts of the United Kingdom?

Mr. Bevin

I do not think we have separated them.

Rear-Admiral Beamish

Can my right hon. Friend give the total numbers as well as the percentages?

Mr. Bevin

I gave the total numbers—65,000 men and 2,500 women.

Sir Joseph Lamb

When they are ordered to do work of national importance, what steps are taken to see that they remain at that work?

Mr. Bevin

That is another question, of which I would like to have notice.

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