HC Deb 04 July 1939 vol 349 c1110
57. Mr. A. Edwards

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is now in a position to make a further statement regarding the drummer who fainted during the trooping of the colour?

Sir V. Warrender

My right hon. Friend has made inquiries on the point raised by the hon. Member in a supplementary question on 20th June, and the answer is that no announcement was made before the parade that disciplinary action would be taken against any man who collapsed. The men were, however, reminded in the usual way by their company serjeant-majors of the standing order that any man who falls out on a public parade, or on the march, must attend before the commanding officer after seeing the medical officer.

Mr. Edwards

Does the Minister still insist that no disciplinary action was taken against this man; and has he considered the further point which I brought to his notice about how long these men had been on parade prior to this incident?

Sir V. Warrender

I think the incident to which the hon. Member is referring was disposed of by the explanation which was given by my right hon. Friend last week. As regards the length of time the men were on parade, I understand that they came on parade 25 minutes before they were marched off. I do not think the length of time they were on parade was, in any way, excessive.