§ Mr. SNOWDENasked the Home Secretary whether a statement has been received from James Murray, lately No. 2969, of the works centre, Princetown, explaining the circumstances under which he was ordered by the agent to clear out of the settlement because he declined to 686W change his religion as a Roman Catholic at the bidding of the agent; whether this man had nine months' service with the Committee without complaint against him; whether the Home Office have now reported the man to the Army to be recalled; and whether he will give further consideration to the case?
§ Sir G. CAVEIt is untrue that any suggestion was made to this or to any other man employed by the Committee on Employment of Conscientious Objectors that he should change his religion, nor has the man so alleged in any communication made by him to the Committee. On the contrary, in pursuance of the Committee's decision to transfer all Roman Catholics from Princetown to places where better facilities existed for the practice of their religion, Murray was included in a party of men who were being sent to Newark for employment in the manufacture of fertilisers. He objected to this employment, and abscondeden route. The Ministry of National Service have been requested to recall him to his unit. I see no ground for any further inquiry into the matter.
§ Mr. SNOWDENasked the Home Secretary if he will have inquiry made into the state of health of George Hefford, a conscientious objector in the Princetown settlement, and whether, in view of his condition, he can see his way to have the man released so that he can receive proper medical attention?
§ Sir G. CAVEThe medical officer at Princetown informs me that this man has recently had some teeth extracted but is otherwise in good health. It does not appear to be a case for release.