§ Mr. YOUNGERasked the Secretary of State for War whether the privileges of hiring camp equipment, of purchasing disused carbines, and of being inspected by officers of the Army, Regular or Territorial, in uniform, have been withdrawn from companies of the Boys' Brigade which do not accept recognition as cadet units through the Territorial Force Associations; whether he is aware that there is a force of opinion which regards such recognition as detrimental to the primary object of the brigade as set forth in its-constitution; and whether he will state-the reason for the enforcement of a scheme which may endanger the prosperity of the organisation?
§ Mr. HALDANEThe hon. Member is correct in inferring that the privileges mentioned are given only to cadet units which are recognised by Territorial Force Associations. This course was not adopted with any intention whatever of bringing into the organisation of recognised units any associations of boys which prefer not to comply with the conditions necessary for recognition; and no attempt has been made to bring such organisations into line with military requirements. I do not. however, think that it is justifiable to give military aid to bodies which do not comply with any military requirements.