§ 23. Mr. LONGasked the Secretary of State for War whether he can see his way to adopt the suggestion made by Colonel Sir Lonsdale Hale that a conference should be held at the United Service Institution at which free discussion should be invited by officers, whether on full pay or not?
§ Colonel SEELYNo, Sir. Such a proceeding would be inconsistent with paragraph 453 of the King's Regulations. Obedience to the rule there laid down has been of great advantage to the Army, and strict observance of it is necessary.
§ Mr. LONGWill the right hon. Gentleman apply the same rule to officers on full pay who express their opinions in favour of the system as he does when he refuses to allow officers on full pay to express their opinions against it?
§ Colonel SEELYI am surprised that the right hon. Gentleman, who has himself held office, should ask that question. Of course, every recruiting poster and every general officer presenting prizes to the Regular Army or Territorial Force endeavours to obtain recruits under the present voluntary system. If it is required to make a change in the law or to adopt another system, the proper place to bring it is here in this House for Debate and Division.