HC Deb 13 November 1917 vol 99 cc192-3
15. Mr. E. DAVIES

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that, contrary to the promise given in the House, Welsh boys with slight knowledge of English are being sent for training to various camps in England where they are unable to benefit fully by the instruction; and whether he will arrange for them to be sent, as promised, to Kinmil or some other camp in Wales?

Mr. MACPHERSON

No cases have been brought to the notice of the War Office where Welsh boys have been unable to derive benefit from instruction owing to their imperfect acquaintance with English. Every consideration is given to national sentiment, and, where practicable, recruits are posted to Infantry battalions for which they express preference. Young soldier battalions are affiliated to the South Wales Borderers and to the Welsh Regiment, to which Welsh boys of eighteen years and one month are posted. The locality of these battalions is not material.

Mr. DAVIES

Could not the boys be sent to camps in Wales to receive instruction?

Mr. MACPHERSON

I do not know whether they can be sent to camps in Wales; they are sent to the Welsh regiments to which they are attached.

Mr. DAVIES

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that those boys who are unable to understand English are sent to a camp where they may receive instruction from Welsh instructors?

Mr. MACPHERSON

I think that is a very reasonable request, and I think my hon. Friend will gather from my answer that every attention is being paid to the subject.