§ 18. Mr. BOWERMANasked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he is aware that considerable disappointment and discouragement has been caused to the Volunteer Training Corps in South London through the official refusal to permit the holding during the ensuing week of a three-days' camp in private grounds at Orpington, Kent, the arrangement for which had been fully completed; whether he is aware that the men had arranged to march there and back, thereby relieving the railway companies of any extra pressure; and whether further consideration can be given to the matter?
§ Mr. TENNANTI am not aware of the circumstances of the particular case mentioned, but the military authorities have reluctantly considered it necessary to refuse permission to all applicants to hold camps in certain areas, amongst which the county of Kent is included.
§ 19. Mr. BOWERMANasked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he can state in what direction it is intended to utilise the services of the Volunteer Training Corps in the near future?
§ Mr. TENNANTThis matter is one which raises many important considerations, and I am not yet in a position to say when the occasion for their employment will arrive. But my hon. Friend may rest assured that the potentialities of these Volunteers are constantly present to the mind of my Noble Friend the Secretary of State for War.
§ Mr. J. SAMUELCan my right hon. Friend give a definite answer one way or the other, whether the War Office intends to utilise the services of this corps, and give them practical aid?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat is raising the same question again.