Mr. PONSONBYasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that Thomas Truman Drayton, who has served for over twenty-six years in the postal service, was dismissed in August, 1916, in consequence of his having been imprisoned as a conscientious objector; and whether this political offence disqualifies him for a pension to which he is entitled under the Courtney scheme?
§ Mr. PEASEMr. T. F. Drayton, a sorter in the London Postal Service, was suspended from duty for refusing to undertake military service when released for that purpose in August, 1916. In May last, in accordance with a general decision governing such cases, his situation was declared vacant, because he elected to remain in prison rather than accept work of national importance offered him by the Central Appeal Tribunal. His dismissal from the service involved the loss of his pension rights.