HC Deb 27 November 1917 vol 99 cc1805-6

The following question stood on the Paper in the name of Mr. KING:

5. To. ask the Under-Secretary of State for War if his attention has been drawn to a document officially posted in Kinmel Park camp; whether he is aware that many of the men in training object to parts of the document; and whether he will make inquiries and have it substituted by a document more in accordance with good taste and decent language.

Mr. KING

May I point out that this question has been curtailed at the Table? As I handed it in it contained a quotation as follows—

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member is now attempting to go behind the decision taken.

Mr. MACPHERSON

I have made inquiry of the Western Command about the notice of which my hon. Friend has sent me particulars. I am assured that no such document was issued by the Command.

Mr. KING

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that certain officers and soldiers have written letters protesting against the notice displayed at this camp?

Mr. MACPHERSON

Some such notice may have been displayed, but it was not done on the order of the commander or of any competent military authority.

Mr. KING

Has the hon. Gentleman received a copy of that which I sent him, and will he give instructions that no such notices are in future to be displayed there?

Mr. MACPHERSON

I did receive a copy, but nobody protested more strongly than the commanding officer himself against this very disagreeable form of notice.