HC Deb 09 February 1877 vol 232 cc126-7
COLONEL KENNARD

asked the Secretary of State for War, Whether his attention has been called to a letter which appeared in the "Standard" of the 2nd of February, signed by a Royal Engineer, relating the circumstances under which he, a soldier wearing Her Majesty's uniform, was expelled on that account from the Luton Skating Rink (Bedfordshire); and whether steps, if any, could be taken to prevent the repetition of any such similar occurrence at places of public resort?

MR. GATHORNE HARDY

Sir, in reply to the Question of the hon. and gallant Member, I have to say that my attention was drawn by his Question to the letter which appeared in the Standard newspaper, which I find is anonymous, being signed "A Royal Engineer," and that I have no means of ascertaining whether the circumstances stated in the letter are correct. I may observe that the Government have no power to prevent institutions of this kind from making such bye-laws and regulations as they may think fit; though, at the same time, I much regret that any slight should have been offered to Her Majesty's uniform.