§ 31 and 32. Mr. BRIANTasked the Under-Secretary of State for War (1) if his attention has been called to the boating accident at Dundrum, County Down, on 4th February, when eight soldiers were drowned; if he has information as to the number of the deceased men who could swim:
§ (2) if he will make inquiries as to how far the King's Regulations, paragraphs 713–715, regarding the teaching of swimming, are carried out; if he is aware that at many stations where swimming facilities exist the Regulations are practically ignored; and if, in the interests of the health and efficiency of the men, he will see that orders are given for commanding officers to carry out the Regulations?
Lieut.-Colonel GUINNESSMy attention has been called to the distressing accident at Dundrum, and I understand that of the eight soldiers drowned two could not swim. The general Regulation is that swimming will be taught at all stations where facilities exist, and I am not aware that this rule is disregarded. 1261 If, however, the hon. Member will give me more specific particulars, I will inquire further. The facilities and opportunities at different stations naturally vary.
§ Mr. BRIANTWill the hon. and gallant Gentleman make special inquiries as regards Aldershot, where there are ample swimming ponds, and find out how far the Regulations are carried out there?