§ MR. SEAVERNS (Lambeth, Brixton)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that in May last, at Tunbridge Wells, a highly partisan sermon attacking the Government's Education Bill was delivered by the chaplain at a camp church parade of the West Kent Imperial Yeomanry whether attendance at these services is compulsory; and, if so, whether he will take steps to prevent the recurrence of such practices in the future, and will further provide that attendance shall not be demanded from those who are not members of the Established Church.
§ MR. HALDANEThe service in question was not a camp church parade, but was held in the parish church. According to the custom in the Army, all men not on leave or specially employed attend, but there is no compulsion to attend in the case of men who do not belong to the denomination concerned The action of the chaplain is to be regretted, and it is presumed will not be repeated.