§ 29. Major M'CALMONTasked whether, in the recent order of the Army Council forbidding the Marlborough College contingent of the Officers' Training Corps to attend Empire Day celebrations, it is intended to prevent all public school corps from parading for their school and local celebrations of various kinds as heretofore; whether the junior division of the Officers' Training Corps forms any part of the forces of the Crown as laid down in the Army Act; and whether the public schools contingents are mainly supported from school funds and by the boys' parents?
§ Colonel SEELYAs regards the celebration of Empire Day, the Army Council consider that the appearance of soldiers in 2026 uniform would be altogether inappropriate unless the celebrations were entirely of a military character; the Army Council consider that parades of this kind should be reserved for the King's Birthday. As regards the second part of the question the position of the Officers' Training Corps is clearly defined in paragraph 1 of the King's Regulations; the corps as such is not subject to the Army Act. As regards the last part of the question the contingents are mainly supported by private funds. The Grants from public funds only cover a portion of the expenses.
§ Major M'CALMONTWill the right hon. Gentleman answer the part of the question which deals with school and local celebrations of various other kinds?
§ Colonel SEELYI think I have answered that. I said the Army Council consider the appearance of soldiers in uniform would be altogether inappropriate unless the celebrations were entirely of a military character, and they consider parades of this kind should be reserved for the King's birthday.
§ Major M'CALMONTIs it not a fact that a contingent paraded only last week on the occasion of the visit of the Duke of Northumberland to Durham University?
§ Colonel SEELYI am not aware how far the visit of His Grace was of a military character.
§ Sir W. BYLESWhen is Empire Day, and what does it celebrate?
§ Colonel SEELYI am not quite sure. I think the date is 24th May. I am aware that in many of the self-governing Dominions it is regarded as a public holiday, and is so observed. In this country we prefer to have our military celebrations on the King's birthday.