HC Deb 20 May 1914 vol 62 cc1928-9
34. Major HOPE

asked the Secretary to the Treasury if the War Office sent to the Stationery Office a copy of the King's Regulations, 1912, with subsequent amendments pasted into correct pages, how long it would take the Stationery Office to produce a new edition of the King's Regulations?

Mr. MONTAGU

The Stationery Office could produce a new edition of the King's Regulations in about three and a half months, exclusive of the time required by the War Office to correct proofs, etc.

Major HOPE

Would it be possible to produce it before the examinations for promotion?

Mr. MONTAGU

I believe the hon. Member got a reply to that question from the War Office yesterday.

Major HOPE

Was not the reply that it could not be produced before next year?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Mr. Tennant)

I was prepared to answer that question yesterday, but the hon. Member withdrew it. The answer is that we could produce it before next year. We can produce it in the autumn or winter of this year.

Colonel GREIG

Is it not a fact that every officer can obtain copies of the alterations?

Mr. TENNANT

Yes, he can.

Major HOPE

Yes, if he has the time to do it, and if non-commissioned officers have the opportunity of doing it.

Mr. TENNANT

This is the answer I was prepared to give to the hon. Member: The first steps in getting a new edition through the Press have been taken, and that over 60,000 copies would be required, but in spite of this I hope to be able to secure the issue earlier than the date I gave in answer to a previous question. I hope that may be in the autumn or early winter of this year.

Major HOPE

Was my question the first means of calling attention to these hardships inflicted upon officers?

Mr. TENNANT

I cannot admit that for a moment.