HC Deb 29 October 1952 vol 505 cc1921-2
39. Mr. E. Fletcher

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Defence whether he will amend the existing procedure relating to National Service men who, after completing their full-time service, develop conscientious objections to part-time service; and whether he will take steps to give such men the same rights as those who claim conscientious objections to serving as Z Reservists.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Defence (Mr. Nigel Birch)

The hon. Member's suggestion has been carefully considered, but it has been decided that National Service men who claim to have developed conscientious objections after completing their whole-time service shall be treated in the same way as those who develop these objections during their whole-time service. There is a clear distinction to be drawn between these men on the one hand, and Class Z and comparable reservists called up for training on the other, since most of the latter will have been in civilian life for some years since demobilisation.

Mr. Fletcher

Does that mean that National Service men who develop conscientious objections after their two years period can then present their case to a tribunal before they have to do their part-time service?

Mr. Birch

No, it does not mean that.

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