HC Deb 18 December 1953 vol 522 cc133-4W
Mr. Brockway

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that Raymond Kafton, of Cinderford, who claims to be a conscientious objector to military service, was prosecuted at Gloucester on 16th September, 1952, for refusing to submit to medical examination and was fined £20 with £5 15s. costs, was prosecuted a second time on 30th May, 1953, and fined £20 with £6 6s. costs, was again prosecuted on 22nd September and fined £40 and £6 6s. costs with the alternative of three months' imprisonment, which he served; and if he will instruct that these repeated prosecutions for the same offence shall now stop.

Mr. Watkinson

These prosecutions were in accordance with the practice which was announced to the House by the then Parliamentary Secretary in May, 1947. Under that practice no man is prosecuted after he has served a prison sentence or sentences amounting to three months or more, and accordingly no further action will be taken in this case.