HC Deb 21 March 1911 vol 23 cc222-4
Viscount HELMSLEY

asked whether it is proposed to give county associations a grant to assist them in organising and administering cadet units; and whether county associations have been informed that any grants they may make to cadet units from this fund must be spent in encouraging exercises of a strictly military nature, and not to the furtherance of social or kindred schemes connected with cadet organisations?

Mr. HALDANE

The reply to both questions is in the affirmative.

Viscount HELMSLEY

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the organisation of lads' brigades have existed in a great many cases for the furtherance of discipline among boys, for the formation of character, and the promotion of a sense of responsible citizenship; that many parents have allowed their boys to join with these objects in view, and that in consequence pressure on these organisations to come directly under military authority is likely seriously to prejudice them; and whether he will undertake that this pressure will be with-drawn, and the same facilities and encouragement as heretofore will be accorded to cadet organisations, though not under the Government scheme?

Mr. HALDANE

I am well aware of the objects of the lads' brigade. No attempt has been made to bring such organisations into line with military requirements, but I do not think it is justifiable to give military aid to bodies which do not comply with any military requirements.

Viscount HELMSLEY

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think he might well give aid, which is not strictly military aid, to civic institutions?

Mr. HALDANE

I think when the War Office has an opportunity of giving aid to civic institutions, one of which serves a useful military purpose while the other does not, they ought to give aid to the one which serves a useful purpose.

Viscount HELMSLEY

asked whether the Army Council have raised questions as to the legality of the various lads' brigades, and have threatened them with an Act of 1819, cap. 1; and, if so, whether this amounts to pressure on such lads' brigades to come under the Government cadet scheme; and whether the Army Council have intimated that they will not allow lads' brigades which do not come under the Government cadet scheme camp equipment, as has hitherto been the custom?

Mr. HALDANE

As regards the first two parts of the question it is not understood to what the Noble Lord refers. Perhaps he could oblige me with a reference to some particular communication. As regards the last part of the question the reply is in the affirmative.

Viscount HELMSLEY

Does the right hon. Gentleman mean that the Act of 1819 has not been mentioned to any one of these organisations?

Mr. HALDANE

I do not know what has happened. I have never mentioned it, nor has anyone that I know of.

Mr. WHITEHOUSE

Will the right hon. Gentleman state the names of the organisations for boys which have accepted the new conditions of the War Office as a preliminary to receiving the assistance they have had in the past?

Mr. HALDANE

I have no objection to doing that. Perhaps my hon. Friend will put down a question.