HC Deb 13 November 1945 vol 415 cc1909-10
65. Captain Gammans

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if conscientious objectors will enjoy the same opportunities of obtaining posts in the Civil Service as serving soldiers during the immediate post war period.

Mr. Glenvil Hall

Conscientious objectors will, if otherwise eligible, be able to compete in the Civil Service reconstruction examinations. Unless they have served in the Armed Forces, the corresponding Women's Services, the Merchant Navy or the Mercantile Marine, however, they will not, of course, be eligible for places in the minimum quotas of vacancies which are reserved for members of those Services.

Captain Gammans

Will the hon. Gentleman explain what all that means? Will he say whether or not a conscientious objector, who has done nothing whatever to help us to win the war, is to be treated in the same way as an ex-soldier?

Mr. Hall

I think my answer was quite plain. Perhaps the hon. and gallant Gentleman will read it in Hansard tomorrow, and then if he still finds difficulty in discovering what the situation is, and will see me, I will do everything I can to enlighten him.

Wing-Commander Millington

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that his answer will give considerable satisfaction as an expression of the fairmindedness of the Government towards this much maligned group of men?