MARQUESS Of TULLIBARDINEasked the Undersecretary of State for War why it was undesirable to ask the soldiers in Perth Barracks to what church they belonged, seeing that this House had by a majority of 233 to 16 directed that a religious census, which included soldiers, should be taken in Wales; and (2) if he would state the number of officers, noncommissioned officers and men of the Black Watch Regulars and Special Reservists at Perth depot, and how many of these were Presbyterians and how many, respectively, belonged to the Established, the United Free, and the Free Churches, 945 and how many belonged to the Roman Catholic faith?
§ Colonel SEELYIn reply to these two questions the information desired is not available at the War Office and a special return would therefore be necessary. As I informed the Noble Lord in reply to a question put by him on this subject on the 8th instant, I do not think it would be advsable to ask for such a return.
MARQUESS of TULLIBARDINEIs it the practice to drive soldiers into church without knowing to what denomination they belong? Further, shall I be wrong in saying that the proportions at Perth are about 141 Established, 23 Free Church, and 30 Roman Catholics?
§ Colonel SEELYThe answer to the first part of the supplementary question is in the negative. With regard to the second part, I shall be very glad if the Noble. Lord will give me the basis on which he founds his figures.
MARQUESS of TULLIBARDINEHow is it possible to know what a soldier's denomination is if he is sent to church without being asked?
§ Colonel SEELYThat is why I asked the Noble Lord to give me the basis of his figures.
§ Mr. KEIR HARDIEIs attendance at church compulsory on the part of the soldier?
§ Colonel SEELYHe has to go to some sort of church, unless some special reason is given to the contrary.
§ Mr. JOHN WARDIs it not the fact that a soldier who says he has no Church is put down to the Established Church?
§ Colonel SEELYThat rather depends on the time at which church parade is called.