HC Deb 15 September 1909 vol 10 cc2147-8
Mr. STEPHEN COLLINS

asked if the War Office has issued instructions for a number of boy scouts to take part in the Army manœuvres; and, if so, how many toys will take part and of what age will they be?

Mr. HALDANE

Permission was, in fact, given to some boy scouts to be employed in the forthcoming manœuvres. There is some doubt whether this should have been done, as these boy scouts are not subject to military law, and it has been thought best to cancel the permission. But this must not be taken to imply that the War Office does not greatly appreciate the value of the boy scout training.

Mr. STEPHEN COLLINS

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman is aware how long the promoters of this movement have encouraged the military training of these boy scouts?

Mr. HALDANE

I think there is a great deal of nonsense talked in connection with the boy scouts. It is one of the most valuable movements we have going on just now for the general development and the training of boys.

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