§ Mr. Rhys Daviesasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Stanley Hilton, of Rochdale, was recently sentenced by court-martial to two years' detention for refusing military service; that he has already served two years and eight months in prison for the same offence; and whether, in view of the fact that he has proved his sincerity as a conscientious objector to military service by suffering so much punishment and that he is never likely to become an efficient soldier, he will consider discharging him from His Majesty's Forces?
§ Sir J. GriggThe answer to the first part of the Question is "Yes, Sir." The sentences he has served, and the sentence he is now serving are for separate offences. The question of Gunner Hilton's sincerity as a conscientious objector is one for the appropriate tribunals, set up under the National Service Acts, to decide. He has twice unsuccessfully appealed to the appellate tribunal.