§ 46. Mr. Skeffington-Lodgeasked the Minister of Defence what reports he has received from chaplains regarding attendances at religious worship since church attendance was made voluntary in the Forces; and whether he will furnish any information to show in each service how the work of padres is being supported.
§ The Minister of Defence (Mr. A. V. Alexander)Attendances at Divine Service in the Forces have declined considerably since church parades were abolished, but this is, in part, due to the fact that weekend leave is now granted on a wider scale. Attendance at midweek services and at the weekly chaplains' hours are, however, satisfactory. The work of the chaplains is recognised as of the greatest importance and has the fullest support in each Service.
Vice-Admiral TaylorDoes not the Minister agree that the abolition of compulsory attendance was a retrograde step and will he consider reinstituting it as soon as possible?