§ 24. Mr. Rhys Daviesasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department on how many occasions George Elphick, 66, Priory Street, Lewes, a registered conscientious objector, has been prose- 2133 cuted at Lewes police court for refusing fireguard duty and with what results; what has been the cost of the prosecutions to date and on whom has it fallen; whether he will give an assurance that no Government contribution has been made or will be made towards such costs; and whether he will take powers to prevent such persecution, which was deprecated by the regional commissioner in October, 1942.
§ Mr. H. MorrisonThis man has been before the magistrates seven times and was convicted on six occasions. Particulars of the cost of the prosecutions are not at present available, but the local authority has been informed that no grant from the Exchequer will be made towards expenditure on proceedings commenced against him after 8th October, 1942. As regards the last part of the Question, I would refer my hon. Friend to my answer of 9th December last.
§ Mr. Rhys DaviesWhile thanking the right hon. Gentleman for the action which he has already taken in this case, may I ask whether it is possible for him to take some further steps to prevent an obvious waste of public money and the time of the courts, in what is tantamount to absolute persecution?
§ Mr. MorrisonThese cases are often difficult to understand. I have tried, in the special circumstances of this case, to be as helpful as I can and I will do so, but I do not think I ought, so to speak, to usurp directly the functions of the local authority in the matter.
§ Earl WintertonCould not the right hon. Gentleman make it quite clear that local authorities are not to be interfered with by Questions in this House, in the carrying out of their duties under the law?
§ Mr. MorrisonI think that point is covered by the answer which I have given.