67. Mr. DUNDAS WHITEasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the refusal of the War Office to sanction the presentation of Colours to battalions now being formed for the New Army is having a detrimental effect on recruiting; whether representations against this refusal have been made to the War Office by those who are assisting in recruiting in various parts of the United Kingdom; and whether he can now make any further statement on the subject?
§ Mr. TENNANTThe hon. Member is entirely mistaken in supposing that the War Office have refused Colours to the battalions of the New Armies now forming. When these battalions are trained and efficient units they will be entitled to have Colours just as much as any other Regular battalion of the Army.
68. Mr. DUNDAS WHITEasked the Under-Secretary for War whether Colours were presented to the London Scottish by the late King Edward; if so, where and on what date was the presentation made; and whether these colours are now at the London Scottish headquarters, 59, Buckingham Gate?
§ Mr. TENNANTTo the first part of the question the answer is in the affirmative; to the second, at Windsor on the 19th day of June, 1909; and to the third, in the affirmative.
§ Mr. T. P. O'CONNORWith reference to the answer which the Under-Secretary for War has given to the question put by the hon. Member for the Tradeston Division of Glasgow about the presentation of Colours to battalions, may I ask if his 779 answer covers the case of a battalion being allowed to accept banners which have been made for them by the patriotism and good will of their fellow citizens?
§ Mr. TENNANTMy answer did not deal with that part of the question at all. I think the proper course to adopt would be what has been the universal practice in the past, for the War Office to have the proper Colours made for His Majesty to present them to the battalion.