§ Mr. Stokesasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that soldiers called up for service since the outbreak of war in the depot company of the Essex Regiment, at Warley, have had a compulsory stoppage of 9d. from their pay in order to prevent 2,000 copies of the Regimental Gazette, published prior to the outbreak of war, becoming a charge on the funds of the Regimental Association; whether such action had his approval; and whether he will take steps to ensure that this compulsory stoppage is reimbursed forthwith?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaI am informed that there was no compulsory stoppage, but that purchase by the men was voluntary and the supply available did not meet the demand. The proceeds of the sale are diverted to charitable purposes for the benefit of serving soldiers and ex-soldiers of the Regiment or their dependants.