HC Deb 22 May 1916 vol 82 cc1820-1W
Mr. ARTHUR STANLEY

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether conscientious objectors who are enrolled for service on work of national importance are obliged to take up the special occupation to which they are detailed; and whether they are entitled to more than the pay and allowances which they would have received had they joined the Army?

Mr. TENNANT

Conscientious objectors who are allotted work of national importance are not under the jurisdiction of the Army Council.

Mr. KING

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that some conscientious objectors when ordered to parade are called before the commanding officer and simply admonished while others are thrown into prison and subjected to court-martial; and whether, with a view to equality of treatment, an Order will be issued which will cause conscientious objectors to be similarly treated by the different commands?

Mr. TENNANT

Such an Order would beultra vires.