HC Deb 19 January 1943 vol 386 cc19-20
30. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Army educational classes and discussion circles vary in the latitude allowed in the various units; what is the average number and approximate percentage of units attending such gatherings; and whether, in order to encourage civic education, he will ensure that soldiers are as free to discuss any social, political, or similar matter in their free time, whether spontaneously or in organised groups, as when they were civilians?

Sir J. Grigg

I assume that my hon. Friend in the first part of his Question is referring to the lectures under the Winter Educational Scheme and the discussions under A.B.C.A. arrangements. Both these are compulsory for the men concerned but I have no figures showing the numbers attending them. I am not sure what my hon. Friend means by latitude. The general subjects both for lectures under the Educational Scheme and for the discussions under A.B.C.A. are approved by the Educational and A.B.C.A. authorities but no doubt some lecturers and some officers in charge of discussions are more successful than others in keeping to the point. As regards the soldiers' spare time they are free to indulge in voluntary discussions on social, political or similar matters provided that they do not do so in organised political groups.

Mr. Sorensen

May we have a further explanation of the latter part of the answer?

Sir J. Grigg

If the hon. Member will allow me, I will read paragraph 541 of King's Regulations: No soldier is permitted to take any active part in the affairs of any political organisation or party either by acting as a member of a candidate's selection committee or by speaking in public or publishing or distributing literature in furtherance of the political purposes of any such organisation or party or in any other manner.

Mr. Sorensen

That does not mean, I take it, that soldiers are precluded by the Regulation from attending a discussion circle or conference organised by political parties?

Sir J. Grigg

Does the hon. Member mean inside the regiment or outside? If outside, certainly not, inside, certainly.

Mr. Gallacher

Will the Minister tell us whether it is because he kept too much to the point that the hon. and learned Member for North Hammersmith (Mr. Pritt) was stopped from speaking?