asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that Mr. A. Vickery, an osteopath, of Palmers Green, London, was recently sentenced to 12 months imprisonment for refusing to undergo Army medical examination, and that he took this action to call attention to the unsatisfactory treatment of osteopaths; and will he consider reducing the sentence?

As to the first part of the Question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given on 6th April by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health to the hon. Member for Huntingdon (Dr. Peters). If the appellate tribunal to which Mr. Vickery has appealed under Section 5 of the National Service (No. 2) Act, 1941, should find that he committed the offence by reason of conscientious objection, I will consider, in accordance with my usual practice, whether the remission of the remainder of the sentence can be recommended.