HC Deb 30 May 1938 vol 336 cc1650-1
50. Mr. Thorne

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can give any information in connection with the £3,000 bequeathed to the Welsh Guards; and whether he can state how the money is to be used?

Sir V. Warrender

The hon. Member presumably refers to a bequest under the Will of the late Mr. R. S. Laybourne, of the Welsh Guards, who left £3,000 upon trust to the Colonel of the Regiment to provide each serving member of it with beer and cigarettes to the amount of is. a head on the anniversary of Mr. Laybourne's birthday, the remainder for the benefit of poor and needy Welsh Guardsmen from the county of Monmouth and their families.

Captain Arthur Evans

Was any bequest made for officers as well as other ranks?

Sir V. Warrender

Yes, Sir. Besides the sum of £3,000 mentioned in the question, a further bequest of £500 was made to provide champagne every Saturday night during the winter months for Welsh Guards officers on duty.

Mr. Bellenger

Will the Minister discourage bequests like these as they will tend to undermine discipline?

Sir V. Warrender

No, Sir. I hope the precedent will be followed.