§ 7. Mr. John Dugdaleasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the great disparity in educational facilities afforded to troops undergoing training in this country; and whether he will consider issuing instructions to all such units that a minimum of three hours educational training be carried out each week, in view of the fact that the Army Council has stated that they consider this training to be of great importance?
§ Sir J. GriggThe periods within both the training time and the spare time of soldiers which can be devoted to educational work under the Army Education Scheme must necessarily vary very much at different times and between one unit and another, according to their military employment, and I am advised that it 1381 would not be possible to introduce a universal rule such as the hon. Member suggests without detriment to military efficiency. But I am considering whether in the coming winter more time can be made available for this purpose in certain types of unit.
§ Mr. DugdaleIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the units which are most efficient are those which give the most educational instruction?
§ 8. Mr. Dugdaleasked the Secretary of State for War whether he will arrange for some form of educational course to be made available to men confined in detention barracks similar to that provided for men not so confined?
§ Sir J. GriggArrangements have already been approved under which sergeants of the Army Educational Corps will be posted to military prisons and detention barracks to give instruction to men confined there.
§ Mr. DugdaleMay we know when such postings will take place?
§ Sir J. GriggI cannot give the hon. Member any details. Some of them have already taken place, and others are taking place.