§ 20. Mr. HOGGEasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the very different life that recruits have been accustomed to in civil life, he could see his way to order the abolition of all parades on Sunday other than church parades, so that the men might have that day to themselves?
§ Mr. TENNANTMy hon. Friend will doubtless agree that in time of war the customs of peace cannot invariably be observed, but I can assure him that training is carried out on Sunday only in very exceptional circumstances, and when the urgent necessities of the case render such training essential.
§ Mr. HOGGEWill the right hon. Gentleman arrange to avoid as far as possible the parades, even although they have the training?
§ Mr. TENNANTIt is very desirable that there should be a church parade on Sundays.
§ Major HUNTIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the men work several Sundays running, and have hardly any time to themselves at all?
§ Mr. TENNANTI am not aware of that. I am informed that this is done only in very exceptional circumstances, when the urgent necessities of the case render such training essential.
§ Colonel NORTON GRIFFITHSIs it not a fact that Sunday is the very best day for parades?