§ 42. Mr. Orbachasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that at No. 1 A.A. Workshop Company, R.E.M.E., Loughton Hall Camp, Loughton, Essex, the men are paraded three times a day for roll-calls; that men with less than six months' service have to be in camp at 11 p.m. and that lights-out is at 10.35 p.m.; and what steps he proposes to take to put an end to such parades, etc.
§ Mr. BellengerAs all the men in this unit do not work in the workshops on fixed tasks, parades are held at 8 a.m. and 12 noon in order that men can be detailed to their various duties. The third parade at 5.15 p.m. has recently been instituted as a temporary measure because some men have been leaving the workshops before the proper time and have been leaving camp bounds before the end of working hours without permission.
1756 Young soldiers with under six months' service have to be in camp by 11 p.m. unless they have a pass, which is easily obtained by any man of good conduct. These passes allow men to stay out of camp till reveille if they wish. Many men of the unit go to bed at 10 p.m. and wish to sleep; therefore lights-out is at 10.15 p.m. because it is considered that men who wish to sleep should be considered before those who wish to stay out late.
These rules are in accordance with the recently declared policy on the way of life of the soldier. "Request Hours" are held by the commanding officer regularly each week and most of the points raised in this Question have been brought to his notice by young men of the unit. I do not think that there is any reason for me to interfere.
§ Mr. ShurmerDoes the sergeant take them glasses of milk?