§ LORD DAVIESMy Lords, I beg to ask the second question standing in my name.
§ [The question was as follows:
§ To ask His Majesty's Government if there is any foundation for the allegation that it is the policy of the War Office to draft British conscientious objector; who have been ordered by the Tribunals to undertake service with the Pioneer Corps into those units of the Corps which consist mainly of aliens; and whether they are aware that resentment is being caused among the alien volunteers as a result of this practice.]
§ LORD CROFTMy Lords, there is no foundation for the allegation that as a matter of policy British conscientious objectors ordered for attachment to the Pioneer Corps will be drafted to Pioneer companies consisting of aliens. British conscientious objectors are sent to a training centre for equipping, documentation and formation into companies for the field, and at this centre they are placed into an entirely separate company. For reasons of efficiency and economy aliens and British combatant personnel are also at this establishment, but they are in quite separate companies. In view of what I have said the noble Lord may rest assured that there can be no resentment or cause for resentment on this subject among the alien volunteers.