HC Deb 23 June 1920 vol 130 c2192W
Mr. DOYLE

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to a White Paper just issued by the Prison Commissioners for Scotland, wherein the Commissioners state that most of the men examined admit drinking to excess, and many of them state that they acquired the habit of drinking while serving in the Army; and if he will institute an inquiry into the allegation with a view to removing a reproach from this branch of the public service?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I have now read the passage of the Report mentioned, and notice that the hon. Member's quotation is not quite complete. The Report goes on to say that, "No doubt, many of them when free from the restraints of Army life, have given way to a natural tendency to indulge themselves freely in various ways." In the circumstances, I do not think any special inquiry by the War Office is called for.