HC Deb 11 November 1959 vol 613 c375
1. Mr. Brockway

asked the Minister of Defence what provision will be made for conscientious objectors in the Armed Forces or among called-up reservists when the tribunals set up under the National Service Acts are disbanded.

The Minister of Defence (Mr. Harold Watkinson)

The present tribunals will remain in existence for some years. The Government are considering what should be done after that, and I hope to make an announcement in due course.

Mr. Brockway

I thank the right hon. Gentleman for his reply, but is he aware, as I am sure he must be, that the present tribunals will disappear with the abolition of National Service and that they are acting as the advisory committees? Will arrangements be made for them to continue as advisory committees for the men in the Forces and for those on the Reserve List?

Mr. Watkinson

We have a little time in which to consider this. I agree with the hon. Gentleman. We are quite in sympathy on this, and I would be reluctant to see all this fall to the ground. I will try to make a statement as soon as I can.