HC Deb 14 March 1911 vol 22 cc2045-6
Mr. HOARE

asked the Secretary of State for War whether officers of the Army who inspect boys' brigades or church lads' brigades are forbidden to appear in uniform; and, if so, whether this order could be revoked?

The SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Mr. Haldane)

Under the King's regulations officers on the active list of the Army are not permitted, if in uniform, to inspect bodies of boys that are not recognised as cadet units by a county association. There is no intention of revoking the regulations concerned.

Viscount HELMSLEY

Is not pressure being put upon boys' brigades to become recognised as cadet units?

Mr. HALDANE

Not at all. If they choose to do so they will be very little interfered with: they will be supervised to see that they are efficient. If they are rcognised they get certain advantages, but they are perfectly free to remain out.

Viscount HELMSLEY

As a matter of fact is not the provision of officers in uniform to inspect them practical pressure?

Mr. HALDANE

No, I do not think it is. But they can hardly have their cake and eat it. They cannot be inspected by officers in plumes and scarlet coats yet say that they have no desire to be associated with the military.

MARQUESS Of TULLIBARDINE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that Sir Archibald Hunter, commanding in Scotland, sent round a message to the effect that he hoped regular officers would inspect boys' brigades in uniform, as it was showing better respect to the boys, especially when asked by these brigades that the officers should attend in uniform?

Mr. HALDANE

I daresay he did. We wish the officers to inspect the boys' brigades in uniform. All we wish is that these boys' brigades should have some organisation that is useful and efficient, instead of the present vague state of things.

MARQUESS of TULLIBARDINE

Does the right hon. Gentleman wish the boys' brigades ever to become a military organisation?

Mr. HALDANE

No, I never said that at all. I only said that if they conform to certain elementary conditions they will get this advantage.

Mr. PIKE PEASE

But did not the right hon. Gentleman say in his answer that officers in uniform were forbidden to inspect their brigades?

Mr. HALDANE

Certainly, I have stated so; no officer in uniform is allowed to inspect the brigades that do not conform with certain regulations. Officers out of uniform can inspect them as much as they please.