§ 2. Colonel HOWARD-BURYasked the Secretary of State for War whether he 193 is aware that the annual military tattoo by the depot of the Essex Regiment has been prohibited; and can he give the reasons for this order seeing that the proceeds of such displays go to deserving military charities?
§ Mr. SHAWOwing to the limited time available for the military training of recruits, it has been decided that permission cannot be granted for tattoos to be given by depots of Regiments in future.
§ Colonel HOWARD-BURYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that these torchlight movements are a wonderful form of training for the recruits? They all take place in their spare time, and they enjoy it very much. Between £500 and £600 was raised for charitable purposes by these tournaments. Will he reconsider his decision?
§ Mr. SHAWI am aware that the hon. and gallant Gentleman has expressed an opinion, but his opinion happens to be different from that of my military advisers, and I cannot promise to make any different arrangement.
§ Colonel HOWARD-BURYIs not the right hon. Gentleman aware that these have been held with great success for the last six years? Why is there this sudden change 1 Is it that he has joined the ranks of the pacifists?