HC Deb 20 June 1916 vol 83 cc38-9W
Mr. MAURICE HEALY

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether ten civilian pay clerks who have been employed for over twelve months at the Cork Barracks, have been discharged this week and their places taken over by conscientious objectors brought over from England; whether thirty other civilian pay clerks similarly employed have also received instructions that they also are to be discharged as soon as conscientious objectors can be sent over from England to fill their places; whether the pay of the civilian clerks is £1 15s. per week, whereas the pay of the new military clerks, including rations, lodging and clothing, will be £2 6s. 10d. per week; whether the civilian clerks did the work to the satisfaction of the military authorities; and, if so, whether he will take steps to prevent them from being dismissed under the circumstances mentioned?

Mr. FORSTER

The men in question were discharged as unsuitable, and are being replaced by men of the Army Pay Corps. These men did not enlist as conscientious objectors. I do not propose to interfere with the decision arrived at.