HC Deb 17 October 1946 vol 427 cc240-1W
65. Mr. Harris

asked the Minister of Labour why a conscientious objector who, after duly performing the work of national importance prescribed for him by his tribunal, joins a non-combatant branch of the Army is not granted release till he has completed the full age and service conditions in the Army.

Mr. Isaacs

Civilian employment before enlistment in the Forces is not taken into account in assessing war service for the purpose of release from the Forces. There would be no justification for making an exception to this general rule in favour of men who joined the Army after a period of conditional registration as conscientious objectors and to do so would be a grave injustice to thousands of other young men who were compulsorily retained in industry before being allowed to enlist.