§ MR. CLNINGHAME GRAHAMI wish to ask the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to a paragragh in the newspapers, which is given on the authority of the Press Association, with regard to alleged dissatisfaction among a company of the Grenadier Guards, who, on being ordered to parade with their kit this morning, refused to do so, and returned to barracks; whether some of the men have been punished; and whether, in consequence of the alleged insubordination, it is contemplated to order the regiment on foreign service?
§ *MR. E. STANHOPEI have heard nothing about this. If anything of such a serious character had occurred, I have no doubt that I should have heard of it.
§ MR. CCNINGHAME GRAHAMWill the right hon. Gentleman cause inquiries to be made? This is no light matter, especially when we bear in mind the troubles in connection with the postmen and the Metropolitan Police.
§ [No reply was given.]
§ MR. CUNINGHAME GRAHAMI must press for an answer. [Cries of "Order!"] Here we have a postmen's strike and a police strike impending, and now there is dissatisfaction in the Army; and yet Ministers will not condescend to 939 say whether they will inquire. I demand an answer. [Cries of "Order!"] Her Majesty's Ministers have got into a way of refusing to answer serious questions.
§ *MR. SPEAKEROrder, order!
§ MR. CUNINGHAME GRAHAMThen am I to understand that I am not at liberty to press for an answer?
§ *MR. SPEAKERThe hon. Member is entitled to ask a question; but it is perfectly competent for the Minister to decline to reply.
§ MR. CUNINGHAME GRAHAMThen I beg to give notice that I will repeat the question to-morrow.