HC Deb 02 November 1948 vol 457 c675
42. Mr. Rankin

asked the Minister of Labour how many young men and women, respectively, have claimed exemption as conscientious objectors to military service since the passing of the National Service Acts to the nearest convenient date; the number granted unconditional exemption; the number granted conditional exemption; and the number prosecuted and sentenced for refusing to accept the conditions imposed by the tribunals.

Mr. Isaacs

As the answer contains a number of figures, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the answer:

From 3rd September, 1939, to 30th June, 1948, the latest date for which figures are available, 64,168 men and 2,555 women had provisionally registered as conscientious objectors, 3,809 men and 105 women were registered unconditionally by the tribunals and 29,362 men and 776 women were registered on condition that they took up specified civilian work. Three hundred and forty-nine men, and 88 women, were prosecuted and convicted for failing to comply with their conditions of registration.

In addition, 4,392 men were registered as conscientious objectors before 3rd September, 1939, under the Military Training Act, 1939. Eighty-one were registered unconditionally by tribunals, and 163 were registered on condition that they took up specified civilian work.