§ 36. Mr. G. P. Stevensasked the Secretary of State for War if he will reconsider the decision to discontinue the loan of camping equipment to youth organisations, in view of the importance of this equipment to the life and health of the youth of the nation.
§ Mr. StracheyThis decision was taken only after very careful consideration and with great regret. The difficulty has of course been occasioned by the call-up of Z reservists.
§ Mr. StevensDoes not the Minister agree that many of these youth organisations cannot afford the hire charges for this equipment, that the amount of camping equipment concerned is relatively very small indeed, and that the training these people receive at a very early age is a very good foundation for the training they subsequently receive in their National Service?
§ Mr. StracheyI appreciate all those considerations, but we simply have not the camping equipment to lend or to hire to them this year. I am sorry about it.