HC Deb 17 February 1920 vol 125 cc694-5
33. Captain BOWYER

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the following words in the official programme at the recent investiture, Nominal role of persons proposing to be present to receive the Territorial decoration; whether he is aware that very many officers of the Territorial Force and others most strongly deprecate the use of these words; whether these words were used with the sanction of the War Office; and whether he will take steps to secure that no undue distinctions of this nature should be made in future between officers of the Territorial Force and Regular Army?

Sir A. WILLIAMSON

My attention had not been previously called to this matter. The programme of the ceremony of a provincial investiture, which is drawn up locally, is in no way official and is not submitted to the War Office for approval. I am informed that in one case the words complained of were used by the Civic Authorities through a misunderstanding. I can, however, assure my hon. and gallant Friend that there was no intention whatever to make any invidious distinction between Regular and Territorial Force officers.

Captain BOWYER

As I have the offending document here, may I bring it to the right hon. Gentleman, as he will see from it that there is this discrimination?

Sir A. WILLIAMSON

I shall be glad to see it.