HC Deb 10 July 1961 vol 644 cc5-6W
Mr. Brockway

asked the Minister of Labour how many prosecutions there have been for refusal of medical examination or military orders, by men claiming conscientious objection since the final call-up under the Military Service Act.

Mr. Hare

Since the final call-up, no men claiming conscientious objection have been prosecuted for refusal of medical examination. I am informed that service records show that since the final call-up, eleven men claiming conscientious objection, all of whom were Regulars, have been charged under the disciplinary provisions of the appropriate Service Act.

Mr. Brockway

asked the Minister of Labour what provisions have now been made to enable members of the forces overseas, who claim conscientious objection as their reason for disobeying orders, to appear before the Appeal Tribunal after being sentenced to three months' imprisonment.

Mr. Hare

Arrangements have been made for the Appellate Tribunal to hear applications from members of the forces who while serving overseas have been sentenced to three months' imprisonment in the circumstances mentioned.