§ 60. Mr. MATHERSasked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the suggestion to hold a torchlight tattoo in the Edinburgh district during the coming autumn; whether this display has received his sanction; and whether he will have the proposed arrangements reconsidered?
§ Mr. SHINWELLI have been informed that if has been arranged to hold a tattoo at Dreghorn Castle, Colinton, near Edinburgh, from 4th to 7th September. 218 Permission to organise such tattoos is, subject to certain general conditions, left to the discretion of the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Command concerned.
§ Mr. AYLESHas the time not come, in the interest of spreading the principles of the League of Nations, when permission for the holding of tattoos should cease?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat is a different matter.
§ Mr. MATHERSDoes the hon. Gentleman mean that his Department has no control over a matter of this kind?
§ Mr. SHINWELLCertainly, there is control, but I am advised that these tattoos are harmless and involve no expenditure, and that under the circumstances it is not desirable to interfere.
§ Mr. MACPHERSONIs it not a fact that this particular tattoo in Scotland has been successful in the past and has collected a large amount of money for charity?
§ Mr. SHINWELLYes.
§ Mr. THURTLEIs it not a fact that this tattoo, in common with all tattoos, is intended for recruiting purposes and for glorifying war?
§ Mr. SHINWELLI understand that the primary purpose of the tattoo is to raise funds for charities.