§ 23. Sir W. DAVISONasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the Army Council have directed the closing of the Young Men's Christian Association and Church Army institutes which were provided for the 2137 benefit of the British Army of Occupation on the Rhine; what is the reason for this action on the part of the Army Council; and whether steps will be taken to cancel the order so that troops who are far distant from their homes may continue to have the benefit of these institutes for recreation and social intercourse?
Lieut.-Colonel GUINNESSThe hon. Member is under a misapprehension. No such instructions have been issued by the War Office.
§ Sir W. DAVISONIf local instructions of the kind indicated in the question have been given, were they not given under a misapprehension of the Army Council's instruction?
Lieut.-Colonel GUINNESSI am quite sure that no such local instructions have been given. There has been some difficulty about accommodation, but the Army authorities, have put no difficulties in the way.
Major-General Sir R. HUTCHISONIs it a fact that, on account of the lack of barrack accommodation, the Young Men's Christian Association have been given notice to quit; and would it not be a good thing if they could be allowed to remain?
Lieut.-Colonel GUINNESSThe War Office has done everything to help them, but there is a difficulty as to whether we can requisition accommodation for this purpose. The question is being gone into in a very sympathetic way.
§ Mr. SHORTAre we to understand that the Young Men's Christian Association are responsible for the provision of barracks and not the War Office?