§ 38. Mr. SNOWDENasked the Under-secretary of State for War if he is aware that the men of the 2nd Pioneer West Riding Volunteer Regiment have been ordered to proceed to camp from Whit Saturday to Whit Tuesday; and, in view of the fact that this is a general holiday and that many of the men in the Volunteer regiment are now under compulsory service, whether steps can be taken to hold the camp at some other time, so that the men will have an opportunity of taking a holiday with their families at a time of general holiday?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONAttendance at camp is voluntary for both officers and men of the Volunteers, and I am not aware of the issue of any instructions regarding compulsory attendance. As regards the holding of camps at holiday times, it is obviously necessary to select occasions when the men will be likely to be able to attend. The Whitsun holiday has always been selected as a suitable camping opportunity, and such camps have proved generally popular.
§ Mr. SNOWDENIs the right hon. Gentleman correct in saying that attendance at camps is voluntary, seeing that the notice calling these men to the camps must be obeyed unless they get special exemption?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONI cannot add anything to the answer I have given, but if my hon. Friend will give me particulars I shall be glad to see them.
§ Mr. SNOWDENI will send them.