§ Sir H. NIELDasked the Home Secretary whether H. Figg, of 94, Kew Green, Kew, badge formerly No. 1,104, who had been licensed for about 14 years before the War as a driver of mechanical power and hackney carriages, has been since the conclusion of the War refused a renewal of his licence; what is the reason for such refusal; has it any relation to the fact that, after dismissal of an appeal for exemption from military service on business grounds, he declined as a conscientious objector to go into the Army, and having sold his cabs existed on the proceeds, and afterwards obtained employment, but failed when required to give particulars of such employment; and whether, seeing that such particulars have now been given, he will cause the matter to be reviewed?
§ Mr. SHORTTThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. During the War this man did not claim exemption as a conscientious objector, but went into hiding, and so evaded his obligation to military service, and the Commissioner, who is the licensing authority, feels no confidence that, if granted a licence, he would fulfil the obligations it imposes. The case is in no way affected by the fact of his having now given the name of his employer.