§ 107. Colonel Crosthwaite-Eyreasked the Secretary of State for War what speakers, in addition to those under the auspices of A.B.C.A., are allowed to address members of His Majesty's Forces in Army premises; and under what conditions are such lectures allowed.
§ Mr. BellengerI assume the hon. and gallant Member refers to non-military lecturers. In connection with the Army Education Scheme civilian lecturers may be provided from panels maintained by the Regional Committees of the Central Advisory Council for Adult Education in His Majesty's Forces; approved lecturers are provided with a certificate of employment. Headquarters may engage other civilians for lectures or a Commanding Officer may engage a local civilian for a single lecture, provided that steps are taken to ensure that the lecturer is a suitable person to lecture to troops. In addition, lectures are given as part of the curriculum of certain courses and as part of winter study for officers in Commands and Districts. Any speaker may be invited to lecture by the commandant of a school or by the commander-in-chief or district commander. Those lectures which are given as part of the curriculum of certain courses are compulsory and lectures given as part of the winter study in commands or districts may be compulsory or voluntary. In neither case are these lectures open to the public. The lectures generally have a military bias, but other subjects of general interest to the citizen are also included. The officer who arranges the lectures selects his lecturers.