§ 5. Mr. Gallacherasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that at a Scottish camp of which particulars have been sent him by the hon. Member for West Fife, soldiers have been paraded and instructed that in all outgoing letters they must refrain from criticism of the camp conditions; that some soldiers at this camp complain that they have also been threatened with punishment if they receive any letters containing what was described as offensive matter; and whether he will make it clear to all officers and non-commissioned officers that they are exceeding their rights in issuing such instructions and threats?
§ Mr. StanleyI am informed that at no time have all or part of the troops at the camp referred to been paraded and instructed that in outgoing letters they must refrain from criticisms of the camp conditions and that there has been no threat of punishment or any other measure of restraint in the event of their receiving letters containing offensive matter. Everything possible has been done for the comfort and contentment of the troops, and no complaints have come to light.
§ Mr. GallacherHas the Minister made definite inquiries following the material I sent him?
§ Mr. StanleyI have made inquiries and have given the result.
§ Sir H. WilliamsMay I ask whether this Question was drafted by the Ministry of Information at Moscow?