HC Deb 17 January 1918 vol 101 cc508-9W
Mr. TREVELYAN

asked whether Alfred Peter Catherall, a conscientious objector, who has been at work at Princetown but constantly in very bad health, has been arrested and sent to France; and, if so, whether he will be returned at once to this country?

Mr. MACPHERSON

As my hon. Friend does not state the regimental number and unit of A. P. Catherall, I am unable to furnish him with the information he desires. On receipt of this information I will make inquiry, provided that my hon. Friend can establish a primâ facie case that A. P. Catherall has been improperly or irregularly sent to France.

Mr. JOWETT

asked the Home Secretary if he will inform the House of Commons if and when it is proposed to institute different treatment for the conscientious objectors serving penal servitude as distinguished from the present condition of affairs under which they are treated as ordinary convicts?

Sir G. CAVE

There are practical difficulties in the way of allowing to men under sentence of penal servitude the advantages which can be given under Rule 243 A to men under sentence of imprisonment, but I will consider the matter further.