§ MR. JEFFREYS (Hants, N.)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War whether all the lights in the barrack billiard rooms and libraries at Aldershot are put out at 9.30 p.m.; whether the lights in the soldiers' barrack rooms are put out at 10 p.m.; whether all men of good character are allowed leave out of barracks till 11.15 p.m.; whether, consequently, these men have to find their way to bed in the dark; and whether some better arrangement as to lights can be made for the convenience and comfort of the soldiers?
§ MR. BRODRICKIn the libraries and recreation rooms at Aldershot lights are usually put out at 10 o'clock, though commanding officers can at their discretion allow lights till 10.30. In the barrack rooms lights are out at 10.15. Men of good character are, at the discretion of the commanding officer, allowed 37 out from the South Camp till 11.15, and from the North Camp till 11.30. Those who avail themselves of this privilege have to find their way to bed in the dark. The Secretary of State is ready to give further consideration to the suggestion contained in the last paragraph of the honourable Member's question, but if lights were not to be put out till 11.15 the majority of the men would be kept awake for 1½ hours for the sake of the few who are out late for their own amusement.