§ Mr. GEORGE ROBERTSasked if companies of boys' brigades are no longer allowed the privilege of hiring camp equipment except they become recognised as cadet units through the Territorial Force associations; whether the Under-Secretary for War is aware that acceptance of official recognition by the Army Council would be detrimental to the primary object of boys' brigades; and whether further consideration will be given to the question with a view to restoring to the brigades the privilege thus withdrawn, as otherwise the cost of camp will become prohibitive?
Captain MORRISON-BELLasked whether the recent decision arrived at to refuse the loan of camp equipment for encampments to boy scouts, unless they receive official recognition, will in some cases prevent the boys from having their usual annual encampments; and whether he will sanction the issue of this equipment from ordnance stores, provided that it is available, in order that the valuable work that the boy scout movement is doing shall be encouraged as much as possible?
§ Colonel SEELYThe policy of the Government towards such bodies as the Boys' Brigades and the Boy Scouts has been fully explained to the House. It is not considered justifiable to give military aid to bodies which do not comply with any military requirements and maintain no military connection.