§ 52. Mr. ROBERT YOUNGasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the Federation of Discharged Soldiers and Sailors is now definitely allied to one of the political parties; whether the Government are forming an organisation of their own for discharged soldiers; and, if so, for what purpose, seeing that it is expected that such an organisation under Government auspices will amalgamate most of the existing organisations of discharged men?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLMy right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. This matter is engaging my personal attention, and I hope in the course of a few weeks to be in a position to announce a general policy to the House which I trust may meet with its approval. It is not a matter which, in my opinion, can be satisfactorily dealt with by question and answer, but only in Debate.
§ Mr. HOGGECan the right hon. Gentleman say how he proposes to bring this before the House. Shall we have an opportunity of debating it on the Vote for the expenditure of the money concerned, and further, in view of the fact—
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member is premature.
§ Mr. HOGGEIs it a fact that the National Federation of Discharged Sailors and Soldiers has ever been allied with any political party?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThat is a question which should be addressed to the hon. Member who asked the question.