§ Mr. T. RICHARDSONasked the Minister of National Service if he will inquire into the case of Henry J. Sargent, of 21, St. James' Street, Hastings, who was given a certificate of exemption from military service on condition that he undertook national work within twenty-one days, which condition Sargent carried out; that later a military representative appealed against this decision to the East Sussex tribunal, when Sargent was ordered to report for military service within fourteen days; why a man has been withdrawn from agricultural work who is recognised by the local tribunal as a genuine conscientious objector, and who will not in any circumstances undertake military service; and what action he proposes to take in the matter?
§ Sir. A. GEDDESI am making inquiries into this case.
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§ Mr. RICHARDSONasked the Home Secretary whether consideration can be given to the possibilities of allowing short leave of absence for men employed under the Home Office scheme?
§ Sir G. CAVEI would refer the hon. Member to my reply to a question by the hon. Member for Blackburn on the 5th instant.
§ Mr. SNOWDENasked why the Rev. William Riley, minister of Princes Street Congregational Church, Devonport, who has, with the consent of the manager of the Dartmoor Works Settlement, and the approval of the men's committee, conducted religious services at the settlement with appreciation, has been informed by the manager of the works centre that he has been directed by the Home Office Committee to inform Mr. Riley that they regret that the permission given to him to visit the works centre must be withdrawn
§ Sir G. CAVEI would refer the hon. Member to my reply to a question by the hon. Member for the Elland Division of the West Riding on the 28th instant.
§ Colonel YATEasked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the shortage of bricks for housing purposes, he will put the conscientious objectors now employed on Dartmoor and elsewhere to work in the brickyards which are now standing idle for want of labour?
§ Sir G. CAVEA certain number of these men are already employed in brickyards, but the Committee have found difficulties in obtaining employment of this nature for conscientious objectors owing to the unwillingness of other workmen to work with them.
§ Mr. SNOWDENasked what reply has been sent to the letter of Mr. H. A. Miles, dated 18th November, complaining that he twice received punishment when in Pentonville Prison for refusing to work on Admiralty work, this punishment being against the instructions of the Home Office?
§ Sir G. CAVEI cannot trace the letter to which the hon. Member refers. If he will give me further particulars, I will have inquiry made.