§ 64. Sir Arnold Wilsonasked the Secretary of State for War whether the proposed free issue of a Bible to every serving 337 soldier will be at the public expense; and whether it will be treated as a compulsory article of regimental kit, to be produced at inspections, or as the private property of the soldier?
§ Sir V. WarrenderI think my hon. and gallant Friend is referring to an offer which has been received from the Naval and Military Bible Society, and which is to be explained more fully at an interview which will shortly take place. Issue would not be at public expense, nor would the Bibles be treated as part of regimental kit.
§ Sir A. WilsonIf the interview does take place, will my hon. Friend consider reverting to Cromwell's idea of a pocket Bible which would be restricted to extracts from the Old Testament?