§ MR. BRODIE HOARE (Hampstead)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War whether there is a commissioned chaplain to the forces at Hong Kong; if not, whether, in view of the importance of Hong Kong as a military base, immediate steps will be taken to appoint one.
§ * MR. WYNDHAMCommissioned chaplains are, as a rule, sent only to the larger foreign stations. There is an acting chaplain at Hong Kong who devotes his whole time to the troops. He is at present, however, on leave, and his duties are being discharged by the local clergy. The question of an increase in the establishment of chaplains is under consideration. The House is aware that the Hong Kong garrison has recently been reduced.
§ LORD HUGH CECIL (Greenwich)Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the supply of chaplains has been found to be insufficient in the present South African campaign?
§ * MR. WYNDHAMThere was a time, perhaps, when it was not sufficient, but I believe every demand has now been supplied.