HC Deb 05 June 1902 vol 108 cc1541-2
MR. NANNETTI (Dublin, College Green)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War, if he is aware that there are several young lads under eighteen years of age at the front in South Africa who were sent there with their regiments; whether in the bringing home of the troops he will endeavour to have these boys sent back; whether he is aware that several of these boys are only fit subjects for a hospital; and, seeing that complaints are made that in the canteens young soldiers who are teetotallers cannot procure any other refreshments than alcoholic drinks, will he take steps to have this state of affairs rectified.

MR. BRODRICK

The only lads under eighteen years of age, of whose presence we are aware, are the enlisted boys of units forming the permanent garrison of the Colony. There seems no reason to take different steps regarding them than regarding the enlisted boys of other units in other parts of the world. The greatest care is taken that young soldiers shall be able to get non-alcoholic drinks, and there is no reason to suppose that they cannot get them.

MR. NANNETTI

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he is now aware that boys who enlisted in direct opposition to the wishes of their parents are out in South Africa, and can he not arrange that they shall be sent home.

MR. BRODRICK

No boys have been enlisted except those who have declared their age over eighteen years.

MR. NANNETTI

Have not several applications been received from parents about boys who have enlisted under

* MR. SPEAKER

Order, order! The hon. Member had better give notice of the Question.