HC Deb 27 November 1941 vol 376 cc903-4W
Mr. J. Dugdale

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will consider applying Section 13 of the National Service (Armed Forces) Act, 1939, to men who, on grounds of conscience, refuse to accept medical examination and are, in consequence, sentenced to a term of imprisonment?

Mr. Assheton

My right hon. Friend has this point under consideration.

Colonel A. Evans

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the London County Council have decided that staff members who register as conscientious objectors, and are put on to Civil Defence work, shall be given the balance of their pay just as if they had been called up in the Army; and, as this is contrary to Government policy, whether he proposes to take any action?

Mr. E. Brown

My attention has been drawn to this matter. I would remind my hon. Friend that under Section 1 of the Local Government Staffs (War Service) Act, 1939, a local authority is empowered to make up the balance of civil pay of any employee who ceases to serve the authority in order to undertake war service, and that war service is defined to include employment in Civil Defence service.