§ Mr. ARTHUR LEEasked the Secretary for War whether he is aware that the local regulations under which the privilege extended to non-commissioned officers and men of wearing plain clothes when on pass vary at different stations in the United Kingdom; and whether he can arrange, without detriment to the Service, to have the conditions under which this privilege is granted made uniform in all military districts?
§ Mr. HALDANEThe reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, who is granted full discretion in the matter, is necessarily the best judge as to what extent the privilege may be granted in any particular place.
§ Mr. LEEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that very frequently complaints are received from men in military districts when transferred that they are deprived of the privilege they enjoyed at other stations?
§ Mr. HALDANEI think that is less so than it was, but it still exists to some extent.