HC Deb 11 July 1917 vol 95 cc1933-4W
Mr. WILES

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether Ernest Harrison, secretary of the Police Union, is undergoing a sentence of two years' hard labour as a conscientious objector in Wandsworth Military Detention Barracks; if so, whether steps have been taken to have him transferred in accordance with Army Order No. 10

Mr. MACPHERSON

If my hon. Friend will give me Harrison's regimental number and unit I will have inquiries made.

Mr. RENDALL

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Walter Lawson, of Dewsbury, was granted exemption as a conscientious objector conditional on his remaining in the employment of Messrs. Wonalds and Walton, of Dewsbury, blanket manufacturers; that on 11th May the military representative threatened the manager and foreman of the firm with prosecution if they continued to employ Lawson, stating that he was an absentee and a shirker; that Lawson was suspended by his employers in consequence; that on 17th May the chairman and clerk of the Colne Tribunal agreed that all conditions laid down by them had been fulfilled; and that on 12th May the military authorities, having induced his employers to suspend Lawson, served him with a calling-up notice and, in spite of Lawson obtaining other work of national importance with a market gardener, the local tribunal made an order declining to vary their certificate without any notice to Lawson; whether a warrant for his arrest has been issued; and what defence the military authorities have to the charge of inducing Lawson's employers to discharge him?

Mr. MACPHERSON

I have called for a report on the matters raised by my hon. Friend, and will communicate with him as soon as possible.

Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTT

asked the Home Secretary whether any change has been made in the scheme for dealing with conscientious objectors; and when the new conditions or arrangements will be published?

Sir G. CAVE

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for Devonport on the 4th instant. The Committee's rules, as amended, were laid on the Table on the 5th instant.