§ SIR WILFRID LAWSONasked the Secretary of State for War, Whether there is anything in the regulations of the Army which prohibits a soldier taking part in religious services when off duty; and, whether he is aware that a Coporal at Gosport has been sentenced by Court Martial to eighty-four days' imprisonment with hard labour, to be degraded to the rank of a private, and to lose one conduct badge for taking part in religious services against his Colonel's wishes? He also asked, Whether it would be possible to make any arrangements whereby the military might be made available for asisting to secure the harvest in those agricultural districts where there is a great dearth of labour?
§ MR. CARDWELLThe Queen's Regulations, Article 180, lay down as follows:—
There will be no objection to soldiers being allowed, at the discretion of general officers in command, to assist in collecting the harvest, when application is made for that purpose, provided that the employment of the population is not thereby interfered with.The proper course, therefore, is to apply to the general officer commanding the district. There is nothing in the Queen's Regulations of the nature suggested in the Question. The court martial referred to was held upon a corporal of Marines, and the sentence was confirmed at the instance of the Deputy Adjutant General of Marines, who is an officer of the Admiralty.
§ SIR WILFRID LAWSONWhat was the offence?
§ MR. CARDWELLThe offence charged was disobedience of orders.
§ SIR WILFRID LAWSONIn what respect?
§ MR. CARDWELLThe hon. Member will have to address any further Question to the First Lord of the Admiralty.
§ SIR WILFRID LAWSONI give Notice that I shall to-morrow ask the First Lord of the Admiralty what was the offence of which the corporal of Marines had been guilty?