§ Mr. HANCOCKasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that Gilbert Foan, a conscientious objector, in Maidstone Prison, is in a very weak state of health, having suffered for some months from severe gastric trouble and having recently had influenza; and whether he will inquire into the case, with a view to this man's release from prison on health grounds?
§ Mr. SHORTTI have made inquiry in the case, and find Mr. Foan is in good health and fit for military service. He had an attack of influenza, but made a good recovery; he has increased 6 lbs. in weight since admission to prison.
§ Mr. SPOORasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that S. E. Haddon, a conscientious objector who has been court-martialled four times, and is now serving a sentence of two years' hard labour in Canterbury Prison, is in a very weak state of health; whether he is also aware that this man has tubercular tendencies, and when younger suffered from tuberculosis of the leg for several years; and whether he will order his release from prison on health grounds?
§ Mr. SHORTTI have made inquiry in the case. The medical officer reports that Mr. Haddon is fit for military service, and shows no signs of tuberculosis. I cannot, therefore, make any distinction in his case.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will give an undertaking that no man now undergoing imprisonment for evading his duties as a citizen in the War, who claimed exemption from military service on the grounds of conscien- 1185W tious objection, will be set free until the last man now serving in the Army and the Navy is demobilised?
§ Mr. SHORTTI have no authority to give the undertaking asked. My authority in this matter extends only to the case of those prisoners who are suffering in health and whose release obviously cannot be deferred as suggested by the hon. Member. The general question is one to be decided by the Government, and I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given by the Leader of the House on the 17th February.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODasked the Secretary for War whether he can avoid the further court-martialling of conscientious objectors who have been two or more years in prison, and have served their sentences by granting such men indefinite furlough when returned to their unit?
Captain GUESTThe general question of the treatment of conscientious objectors is receiving consideration, and I will take an opportunity to make a statement on the subject at an early date.