HC Deb 13 June 1917 vol 94 cc919-20
15. Mr. GILBERT

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the complaints made as to the treatment accorded to lads of eighteen who have been called up for training under the Military Service Act as to excessive drills, want of food, leave, and bad lodging accommodation; and whether he can cause full inquiry to be made into these complaints, or can he at once issue instructions to all depots where these lads are being trained that they shall be treated in a fair and proper manner?

Mr. MACPHERSON

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answers given on the 11th instant to my right hon. Friend the Member for Woolwich. The syllabus of training has been carefully drawn up with the special needs of these battalions in view, and is greatly modified as compared with the normal course. Special instructions have also been issued by the War Office in regard to messing, accommodation, and periods of rest.

Mr. GILBERT

Are not many boys who are away from their homes in London not allowed week-end leave?

Mr. MACPHERSON

I cannot say that.

Mr. SNOWDEN

Are we to understand that lads of eighteen are being mixed up with men of more mature age?

Mr. MACPHERSON

If the hon. Member will read my answer he will find that special battalions are created in order to take in boys of eighteen years of age.

Mr. SNOWDEN

But are not boys of eighteen mixed up with men of mature age?

Mr. MACPHERSON

That might be the case in the past, but within the last month or two we have endeavoured to remedy that.