MR. A. HARGREAVES BROWN (Shropshire, Wellington)I beg to ask the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether his attention has been drawn to a letter by Miss Robinson, dated Soldiers' Institute, Portsmouth, 20th May, wherein she states that she
Is not allowed to hold meetings in barracks (as formerly) solely because the chaplains disapprove";whether his attention has been drawn to her further statement, that a sergeant who used to visit the prisoners was strictly ordered by the chaplain never to go in again on such errands, when it was found that he had taken in a small book there with "Miss Damil's Soldiers' Home" on it; and whether he is now prepared to state the result of his promised inquiries with regard to the alleged interference with Miss Robinson's work among the soldiers?
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO THE WAR OFFICE (Mr. BROD-RICK,) Surrey, GuildfordI have referred this question to the general officer commanding at Portsmouth, who states that Miss Robinson's visitors have not been refused permission to hold meetings in barracks; but have been informed that all meetings must be of an unsectarian character, it having been found that religious subjects of a controversial character had been introduced. Nothing is known of the sergeant referred to, or of the orders alleged to have been given to him. There is no desire to interfere with Miss Robinson's work provided the above-named condition is observed.