§ Sir COURTENAY WARNERasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he has any information showing that there 1475W is excessive drinking amongst Officer Cadet Battalions; and, if so, what steps have been taken to prevent such conduct?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONYes, Sir. I have seen a letter in the public Press suggesting that there is excessive drinking among Cadet Corps, by which I take the writer to mean Officer Cadet Battalions. This suggestion is wholly without foundation, and I am glad to have this opportunity of repudiating it in public. The discipline in Officer Cadet Battalions is very good, and drinking is practically non-existent. I desire to reprobate strongly the practice of making allegations of this character in the Press, without producing proof, as they occasion widespread anxiety without any justification. I am glad that my hon. Friend has given me the opportunity of making this statement.