HC Deb 21 February 1888 vol 322 cc1003-4
MR. DIXON-HARTLAND(for Mr. GEDGE) (Stockport)

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty, Whether the Mr. Francis, the Hon. Secretary to Mr. Blunt's Election Committee, is the cashier at the Deptford Victualling Yard, and who has charge of the payment of the wages to the workmen at that establishment; if so, whether there is any similar regulation in the Admiralty Service to that which prevails in the Post Office Department prohibiting the active interference of its officials in political contests?

THE FIRST LORD (Lord GEORGE HAMILTON) (Middlesex, Ealing)

I am informed that Mr. Andrews, and not Mr. Francis, is the Hon. Secretary to Mr. Blunt's Election Committee; and also that he is cash clerk in the Deptford Victualling Yard. The Dockyard Regulations forbid canvassing within the yard, or the exercise of any influence, direct or indirect, on the workmen employed in the establishment; and any official who takes such a part in a political contest as in any way infringes this Order would be liable to punishment.

MR. T. P. O'CONNOR (Liverpool, Scotland)

Will that Regulation apply to Tory canvassers and agents as well as Liberals?

LORD GEORGE HAMILTON

Of course. Whatever rules are laid down in connection with the Dockyard apply to all persons, no matter what their political opinions may be.

MR. T. P. O'CONNOR

Is the noble Lord aware that in the recent contest at Winchester Tory canvassers were allowed to enter the barracks and canvass the soldiers, and Liberal canvassers were forbidden to go in?

LORD GEORGE HAMILTON

The Question which the hon. Gentleman has put has nothing whatever to do with the Question on the Paper, and which I have answered.

MR. DIXON-HARTLAND

Am I to understand it is the fact that the Hon. Secretary of Mr. Blunt's Committee is the cashier?

LORD GEORGE HAMILTON

He is the cash clerk of Deptford Victualling Yard.

MR. DIXON-HARTLAND

Does he pay the men?

LORD GEORGE HAMILTON

I believe so.