§ Sir HARRY SAMUELasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Army Order 51 of 1910 has been ruled by the Army Council to be applicable to old comrades' associations, and that these associations are in future to be administered solely by past and present officers of the regiments concerned, who may be assisted by an advisory committee of warrant and non-commissioned officers and men; does he know that the majority of these associations were founded by ex-non-commissioned officers for the mutual benefit and assistance of members and their families, that the bulk of the members are civilians, over whom the Army Council can have no control, and that the officials do not receive any remuneration for their services; and whether he will cause the matter to be reconsidered, in 1399W order that the system of working that has been thoroughly tested and found to work well may not be interfered with, the appointment of the responsible officials, irrespective of rank, being left to the selection of the subscribers as hitherto?
§ Mr. HALDANEIt is understood that these associations were, prior to the date of this Army Order, supported and subscribed to solely by men who were not serving. The associations, however, were desirous of obtaining the assistance of serving soldiers, and the Army Council held that if they granted permission, and so gave official sanction to the associations, it would be necessary to ensure effective responsibility for the control of the associations. The Army Council are of opinion that this object will be best secured by adhering to the arrangements set forth in the Army Order.