§ Mr. JOWETTasked the Home Secretary if he will state, in general terms, what are the powers, functions, and financial arrangements of the Committee on Employment of Conscientious Objectors?
Mr. SAMUELThe powers and functions of the Committee are to find work of national importance not directly connected with the War for such men as the Central Tribunal, after a review of their cases, may decide ought to be so employed as an alternative to the sentences of imprisonment passed on them by courts-martial and to continued service in the Army, and to arrange for their employment on such work in groups 357W and under civilian control; to recommend to the Home Secretary the release of the men from prison as when such employment is secured, and to send them when released to the work allotted to them; to make arrangements for their maintenance and good behaviour while so employed; and, if and when any man absconds or ceases to work or otherwise breaks the conditions on which he has been released, to recommend to the Home Secretary or to the Secretary of State for War, as the case may be, that he be recalled to prison or, if his sentence has expired, to the Army. As regards the financial arrangements made by the Committee, they receive from the authorities or individuals who employ the men the full value of the work performed by them at the local rates. The Committee pays for the housing, feeding, and clothing of the men, for their conveyance from prison to the place of their employment, and from one place of employment to another, for medical attendance and for the upkeep of their national health insurance and other similar subscriptions, and provides separation allowances for their dependants. The men receive a daily wage of 8d., which is subject to deduction in respect of the allotment to dependants.