§ 9. Sir J. D. REESasked the Under-Secretary for War whether the War Office receives information regarding the part taken by individual regiments in action; and, if it does, whether any objection exists to publishing such information which is recorded in the Press but lacks official confirmation?
§ Mr. TENNANTThe names of regiments which have distinguished themselves in operations are mentioned in the official communiqués from General Headquarters when such information can be given to the public without assisting the enemy. The War Office do not withhold 1505 mention of regiments when it has been sanctioned by General Headquarters. It obviously rests with the military authorities responsible for the operations to decide which regiments are deserving of mention, and they form, their opinion without reference to the impressions which may or may not have been formed by Press correspondents. The hon. Gentleman must not suppose that the War Office receives a daily or weekly report on the performances of each unit similar to that furnished by schoolmasters with reference to their scholars at the end of each term.
§ Sir J. D. REESWhy does the right hon. Gentleman spread himself out in this way? Is it with a view to a flight? Why does he resent questions regarding regiments which are put at the instance of relatives of the men in the regiment, when he answers so patiently innumerable questions with respect to shirkers, shammers, slackers and conscientious objectors?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Gentleman is raising controversial topics irrelevant to the question, and I will beg him not to repeat the performance.
§ Mr. SPEAKERWe had better pass on.