§ MR. SWIFT MACNEILLI beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War; whether he is aware that Colonel Schiel, when on his way as a prisoner of war to the High Knoll Citadel at St. Helena, was greeted by soldiers and sailors who met him on the way with the singing of "Rule Britannia" and "Soldiers of the Queen"; and whether the War Office, having regard to the number of British soldiers who are prisoners of war at Pretoria, will give directions to British officers to restrain their men from demonstrations of exultation over foes in captivity.
§ * MR. WYNDHAMThere is no information at the War Office to confirm the statements made in the question, and it is not intended to issue any directions on the subject.
§ MR. SWIFT MACNEILLHas the hon. Gentleman any reason to believe the statement to be incorrect?
§ * MR. WYNDHAMThere is no reason to believe one way or the other; but, in any case, it would be unnecessary on the part of the Government to issue directions for guidance in ordinary matters of discipline in what is well within the competency of the commanding officer.
§ MR. SWIFT MACNEILLBut if it has occurred, does it not strike the hon. Gentleman as of importance that——
§ * MR. SPEAKEROrder, order!