HC Deb 31 December 1916 vol 88 cc1652-3W
Sir J. DOUGHERTY

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War, whether he is aware that the Presbyterian soldiers belonging to the Army Service Corps, now billeted at Norwood, are not paraded for divine service on Sunday and marched to the Presbyterian Church, while their Anglican and Methodist comrades are marched to their respective churches; what is the reason for this unequal treatment; and whether steps will be taken to secure the same privileges for Presbyterians as are enjoyed by soldiers belonging to other churches?

Mr. MACPHERSON

I think my right hon. Friend is under a misapprehension. Every effort is made to parade the troops to their respective churches on Sundays, and the Presbyterian soldiers were in fact paraded on three of the last four Sundays. On the fourth Sunday a parade was made impossible by military necessity.