§ Mr. SNOWDENasked the Homo Secretary what is the reason for the delay in determining the separation allowance for the wife of M. Collins, a conscientious objector, now employed under the Home Office scheme, who is at present at Belmont Workhouse, Sutton, Surrey; and if the matter can be given immediate attention?
§ Mr. BRACESeparation allowances are not granted as a matter of right to the dependants of conscientious objectors working under the Committee on Employment-of Conscientious Objectors, but only in cases in which the grant of such an allowance appears to be necessary. In the present case the inquiries made by the Committee made it appear doubtful whether the man's wife was not able to-provide for herself; but, in view of a medical certificate now submitted by her, showing that she is suffering from rheumatism, it has been decided to grant an allowance of 10s. per week for eight weeks, after which period the matter will again be considered.
§ Mr. RENDALLasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Mr. A. Bardsley, of Hyde, a conscientious objector, was arrested on 5th May, 1916, court-martialled on 7th June and sentenced to 112 days' hard labour, sent 1929W to Portsmouth civil prison, thence to Winchester, thence to Wormwood Scrubbs, and appeared before the Central Tribunal who expressed themselves unconvinced as to his genuineness; whether he is aware that this man was again court-martialled and sentenced to twelve months' hard labour, sent to Portsmouth civil prison, removed to Plymouth prison, where the governor made an attempt to obtain work of national importance for him; whether it was reported on 29th January last that he had accepted the Home Office work and was awaiting arrest; and whether anything can be done to hasten the release of this man from prison?
§ Mr. BRACEMy hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. Instructions for (his man's release from prison were issued on the 14th instant, and he will be released for employment in a day or two.