§ 84 and 85. Mr. KINGasked the Undersecretary of State for War (1) whether he has made inquiries as to an alleged brothel at Cayeux-sur-Mer, Somme; if so, with what result; what action is being taken; (2) whether the Secretary of State for War has received since August, 1916, protests and memoranda concerning alleged licensed and medically regulated brothels at Rouen, Havre, Marseilles, and other places in France; and whether inquiries have been made or action taken?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONInquiries have been made in the oases referred to. The matter is one entirely for the French civil authorities, and we cannot, therefore, take any action.
§ Mr. KINGIs it not the fact that action might be taken, as, for instance, warning commanding officers of the dangers in the vicinity of these camps; and will that action be taken?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONNo, Sir; I am not prepared to interfere with the French civil authorities.
§ Mr. WHITEHOUSECan the hon. Gentleman state what reply in connection with this matter has been sent to the detailed statement made by the Bishop of London?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONIf either of my hon. Friends care to come to see me at any time at the War Office, I will explain.
§ Mr. LEES-SMITHWith regard to British soldiers, are these places out of bounds to British soldiers?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONI understand not.
Mr. CHANCELLORIs it the fact that the French military authorities state that this was done at the request of the British military authorities?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONNo; it is not the fact.