HC Deb 30 April 1958 vol 587 cc366-7
29. Mr. Emrys Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for War, in view of the number of men who fainted at the parades held last year in connection with the Trooping the Colour ceremony, what proposals he has for preventing similar incidents this year.

Mr. Soames

The precautions which are always taken to reduce the incidence of fainting on parade were explained by my predecessor in answer to a Question on 24th July last year.

Mr. Hughes

But does the Minister recollect that, after these incidents, with photographs of the soldiers being published in the Press, his predecessor issued instructions to commanding officers that no disciplinary action was to be taken against the men for fainting? Is that to be the practice this time?

Mr. Soames

It is laid down in standing Orders that men who faint on parade shall not be punished unless the collapse is caused by their own negligence or excesses. Steps have been taken to see that these provisions are well known to all concerned.