§ SIR CARNE RASCH (Essex, Chelmsford)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been directed to a case at; the Liverpool Assizes, where a police constable described a prisoner as a lazy, idle man, only good for the Militia, and to the circular of the Superintendent Hertford Police, advising the publicans to refuse to serve Militiamen; and whether he will take steps to prevent such action on the part of the authorities, with a view to encouraging recruiting. As this Question has been altered at the Table, may I say I am of opinion that such action does not encourage recruiting.
§ MR. BROMLEY DAVENPORTAs regards the first case a newspaper extract was forwarded to the War Office, and has been referred to the General Officer Commanding concerned. As regards the second case, I will read out to the House the circular in question, which runs as follows: "The Hertfordshire Militia assemble at Hertford on Monday, May 15th, and should be in the barracks by 944 10 a.m. I shall be glad if you will show kindness to these men by not allowing them to enter your premises when they should be at the barracks. By doing this you will greatly assist the police and military authorities, and keep the men out of trouble." This circular was evidently kindly meant, and not intended in any way to cast reflection on the Militia.