§ 3. Mr. DAYasked the Secretary of State for War whether soldiers serving in the Guards are still granted the privilege of being employed at evening and matinee performances at London theatres; can he say whether for the purpose of these engagements soldiers are excused any part of their military duties; is permission also granted to Guardsmen to be absent from their military duties for rehearsals; have any inquiries been made into this subject; and can he give the House particulars?
§ Mr. SHAWAs regards the first and last parts of the question, soldiers, whether belonging to the Guards or to other regiments, are at liberty to spend their leisure time as they like provided that there is no interference with their military duties. Instructions were issued last autumn to make the position clear in this respect and to make it clear also that any engagements which soldiers accept in their spare time are purely of a private nature and that touting for engagements in any shape or form is forbidden. As regards the second and third parts of the question, the answer is in the negative.
§ Mr. DAYCan my right hon. Friend say whether the fact that these soldiers attend rehearsals in the morning, performances at matinees in the afternoon, and appear again at night, does not interfere with their military duty?
§ Sir K. WOODWill the right hon. Gentleman not say that this is what his predecessor did?
§ Mr. SHAWIf my hon. Friend will give me details of cases where it is evident that soldiers have been taking private engagements at the expense of their military duties, I will take steps to deal with the matter.
§ Colonel ASHLEYIs not what was stated impossible? If they took private engagements at the expense of their military duties they would be brought before their Commanding Officer, who would punish them.
§ Lieut.-Colonel HENEAGEWould the right hon. Gentleman consider the fact that if they take private engagements at the expense of ex-service men it is not helping the unemployed?