HC Deb 28 September 1931 vol 257 cc35-6
58. Mr. SORENSEN

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether, for the purposes of national economy, he will arrange for the payment of Army chaplains by their respective denarninations?

The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Mr. Duff Cooper)

I regret that I am unable to accept the hon. Member's suggestion.

Mr. SORENSEN

May I ask whether the hon. Member would be willing to approach the Army Council to see whether they cannot relieve the burden hitherto borne by national resources?

Mr. COOPER

In the opinion of the Army Council, it is their duty to provide the troops with such religious facilities as they can.

Mr. SORENSEN

Are we to infer from that that the troops will not desire religious ministrations unless they are forcibly provided for them?

Mr. COOPER

No, Sir.