§ 55. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for War whether he will provide the fullest facilities for all religious de nominations to meet the needs of soldiers in the Regular and Territorial Armies and those to be conscripted; and whether he will take steps to abolish compulsory church parades or to reduce them to the minimum required for ceremonial or disciplinary purposes?
§ Sir V. WarrenderThe answer to the first part of the question is "Yes, Sir." As regards the second part of the question, my right hon. Friend is not disposed to vary the traditional practice common to the three Services.
§ Mr. SorensenDoes not the hon. Gentleman recognise that among the troops and outside there is a growing feeling that compulsory religion imposed upon troops is an anachronism which should be abolished, and in the interests of sincerity will he not ask his right hon. Friend to reconsider this matter?
§ Sir V. WarrenderI am not aware that there is any strong feeling of that kind, but if the hon. Member suggests that there is, I would remind him that in 1936 instructions were issued with the object of reducing the formalities connected with inspections which precede church parades.
§ Mr. HannahWould it not be desirable to make attendance at prayers in this House compulsory?
§ Mr. SorensenWill the hon. Gentleman take steps to inquire of the troops what they think of compulsory church parades?
§ Mr. ThurtleThe hon. Gentleman says that he is not aware of any strong feeling on this subject, but has he ever served in the ranks of the British Army?