§ 44. Mr. NIELDasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that a boxing contest promoted this week by Sergeant Dick Burge had as its principal purses one of £800 and one of £300; that the money for these purses was provided by the public, who paid from 5s. to £5 5s. for seats, and that two days before the contest all £l 1s., 10s. 6d., and 5s. seats had been sold; whether, in view of the Government's appeals for economy, these private contests for private gain on the part of serving soldiers are countenanced by the authorities; and whether any and what portion of the proceeds of this contest is to be devoted to any military institution or fund?
§ Mr. TENNANTI regret that my investigation of this case is not yet as complete as I desire it should be. I will inform the hon. Member when I am able to answer the question, so that he may place it again on the Paper.
§ Mr. NIELDIs the right hon. Gentleman aware it is nearly three weeks ago that I first gave notice of a contest that took place within five miles from this House, and that since then a much more expensive one, in which the prizes amounted to £1,200, has been held in the Edgware Road?
§ Mr. TENNANTI am quite aware the hon. Member was good enough to give me notice three weeks ago. I have made inquiries and investigations, which have resulted in a good deal of correspondence, but I am sorry to say, after all, it has not elicited the information which I desire.