§ 5. Mr. Maxtonasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that Mr. Suresh Vaidya, an Indian citizen, resident in this country and employed as a journalist, having had his appeal as a conscientious objector rejected by the tribunals, is now being court-martialled for refusal to engage in military service; and whether, having regard to the fact that India's participation in the war has been up to now on a voluntary basis, he will take steps to end proceedings to compel this man's service.
§ Mr. BevinAccording to my information, Mr. Vaidya has been resident in this country since 1932. He is, therefore, liable to be called up in accordance with the provisions of the National Service Acts. An enlistment notice was served on him, and I have no power to intervene.
§ Mr. MaxtonHas it been done with the knowledge and approval of the India Office?
§ Mr. BevinI could not answer that question offhand, but I am responsible for calling up people, and if people come within the Act I call them up, without distinction or discrimination.
§ Mr. Rhys DaviesAs this is a very exceptional case, will my right hon. Friend look into it?
§ Mr. BevinNo, it has gone from my hands. An enlistment notice has been issued, in accordance with the law, and I cannot intervene.
§ Mr. MaxtonPerhaps the Minister of Labour cannot intervene in a routine way, but he is a Member of the War Cabinet; and will he tell us whether it is the considered opinion of the Cabinet that Indian people, whose country is not under conscription at the moment, should be forced into military service, although the Secretary of State for India goes around boasting that India's contribution to the war is on a purely voluntary basis?
§ Mr. BevinIf the man has resided in this country for the specified period, he comes under the Act here. I have not interfered with anybody living in India.