HC Deb 17 May 1909 vol 5 cc7-8
Mr. STAVELEY-HILL

asked the Secretary of State whether, having regard to the fact that regimental colours have to be provided by Territorial regiments out of their own funds, he will make a grant to regiments in aid of this object?

Mr. HALDANE

The reply is in the negative. The provision of colours is voluntary and not obligatory on the Territorial Force.

Mr. ASHLEY

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will state on what grounds he had issued orders that if Territorial battalions wished for colours they must defray the cost out of their own funds?

Mr. HALDANE

The provision of colours by Territorial battalions is purely optional, and no charge for such provision, therefore, should fall on public funds.

Mr. ASHLEY

Is this irritating economy being made because the right hon. Gentleman disagrees with the flying of the flag?

Mr. HALDANE

The hon. Gentleman does not appear to pay the smallest attention to the history of this question. In the first place only a proportion, and not a very large proportion, of the Territorial Force are entitled to use and receive colours. These are privileged, and it was long ago stated that it was very natural the colours should be presented to them by the ladies of the various counties. I am glad to say that the patriotism of these ladies is such that every one which has a right has been supplied with colours.

Mr. ASHLEY

Why should the patriotism of the ladies be appealed to in the case of the Territorials and not in the case of the line battalions?

Mr. D. V. PIRIE

Are not all these questions of flying the flag calculated to make us ridiculous in the face of the whole world?

Mr. ARTHUR LEE

Is there any precedent for these colours of regiments being paid for by the regiments themselves, and not out of public funds? And is it intended that these colours, which are to be presented at an early date at Windsor, are as a matter of fact to be paid for by the recipients?

Mr. HALDANE

I am not aware there is any precedent for the Territorial Force; It is entirely new; we have had pages and pages written about the value of the patriotism of the public.