HC Deb 01 August 1922 vol 157 cc1233-4
4. Captain WEDGWOOD BENN

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the statement alleged to have been made by the Officer Commanding-in-chief, Northern Command, relative to the League of Nations, when addressing the boys of St. Peter's School, York, on the 30th June; and whether any action has been taken thereon?

The SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Sir Laming Worthington-Evans)

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to my reply to the hon. Member for East Edinburgh on 27th July.

Captain BENN

Does the right hon. Gentleman confirm the account which appeared in the "Times," and the description of the League of Nations as "all tosh," and has he taken any disciplinary action in the matter?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

still must refer the hon. and gallant Gentleman to the reply I gave, which was to the effect that Sir Ivor Maxse's speech was misquoted in the Press.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

In view of the tenor of the speech, has a verbatim report of the Prime Minister's speech to the Free Church Ministers last week been sent to the officer commanding the Northern Command?

Captain BENN

Has any intimation been sent to the "Times" newspaper, which is usually perfectly accurate, complaining of the report of this speech?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

No, Sir, I have not thought that necessary.

Mr. BANTON

Can the House be supplied with a correct report of the speech?

Mr. A. HOPKINSON

Will the right hon. Gentleman impress upon all soldiers the wickedness of fighting?

HON. MEMBERS

Answer!