MARQUESS of TULLIBARDINEasked whether representations have been received by the War Office from Territorial associations asking that the order regarding the inspection of unrecognised boys' organisations by officers in uniform be rescinded, and that drill halls may be lent or hired to such units if it does not entail expense to the public; and whether the War Office will look favourably upon such representations?
§ Colonel SEELYRepresentations to this effect have been received from six County Associations, of whom only two have recognised any Cadet units. It is not considered justifiable to give military aid to bodies which do not comply with military requirements and maintain no military connections.
MARQUESS of TULLIBARDINEIs it the desire of the War Office authorities to force these boys' organisations to become purely military organisations by a system of boycott, and does the right hon. Gentleman consider that these units are injuring the military spirit in this country?
§ Colonel SEELYI mean exactly what I said in the last sentence of my answer. Everyone must, of course, be glad to see these boys' organisations prosper; but I do not think a charge on Army funds justifiable.
MARQUESS of TULLIBARDINEI never suggested expense; I merely asked whether boy scouts and kindred organisations could be inspected by officers and have the use of drill halls without expense to the public?
§ Colonel SEELYAll that is included in the phrase I have used.