HC Deb 24 June 1959 vol 607 cc1184-5
36. Mr. Brockway

asked the Minister of Labour what arrangements will be made to enable persons called up under the Navy, Army and Air Force Reserves Act, 1959, who claim a conscientious objection after having completed their National Service liability to go before a civil tribunal without first being sentenced by a court martial to not less than three months' imprisonment.

The Minister of Labour and National Service (Mr. Iain Macleod)

There is no present intention of altering the existing arrangements for dealing with reservists who have completed their National Service liabilities and who claim a conscientious objection.

Mr. Brockway

Will the right hon. Gentleman reconsider this matter? Would it not be fairer to the men, and a much more convenient arrangement, if these men could go before a civil tribunal instead of being taken into the Forces, resisting, being court-martialled, resisting again and being court-martialled again with all the upset that that causes?

Mr. Macleod

I will certainly look into that point, but I am advised that in 1953 during the Third Reading of the Bill an undertaking was given that administrative arrangements would be made so that such reservists should appear before a conscientious objector tribunal without first having been sentenced. I understand that to be the position, but I will confirm it.

37. Mr. Brockway

asked the Minister of Labour what arrangements are being made to enable Regular or National Service men to come before a civilian tribunal after termination of call-up in 1960, when they have committed offences claimed to be on grounds of conscientious objection.

Mr. Iain Macleod

These matters are under consideration and I shall, as promised, write to the hon. Member in due course.

Mr. Brockway

While thanking the right hon. Gentleman for that reply, may I ask whether he is not aware that it is some weeks since I wrote to him on this matter and, in view of the fact that when the National Service Act comes to an end the tribunals will disappear, will he consider other arrangements by which these men may appeal?

Mr. Macleod

Yes, certainly. We are considering that matter now. We have, as the hon. Member knows, a little time, and this is a matter to discuss with other Departments, but we are well aware of the date limit in front of us and I will write in quite a short time to the hon. Member.

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