HC Deb 24 February 1888 vol 322 cc1368-9
MR. MOSS (Winchester)

asked the Secretary of State for War, Whether it is a fact that, at the recent election for Winchester, the Conservatives were allowed to canvass the military at the barracks, while the Liberals were prevented doing so?

THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. E STANHOPE) (Lincolnshire, Horncastle)

The officer commanding the troops at Winchester reports that the Service Rules regarding the admission of strangers to barracks were strictly carried out at the last election, and that no distinction was made between one political Party and another.

MR. J. O'CONNOR (Tipperary, S.)

asked, whether it was not the case that when the orderly sergeant came to him with orders from the Commanding Officer not to canvass the soldiers, and he desisted from doing so, the Conservative Party had already canvassed every soldier in the barracks?

MR. E. STANHOPE

I am aware that certain persons, both male and female, of both political Parties obtained entrance to the barracks, and began canvassing. The Commanding Officer thought that they were a great nuisance, and gave orders that they should be kept out without distinction.

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

The right hon. Gentleman has said that certain persons, both male and female, were allowed—

MR. E. STANHOPE

I did not say "allowed." I said certain persons "obtained" entrance.

MR. T. P. O'CONNOR

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that all the persons who obtained entrance represented the Tory Party; and that the prohibition to further entrance of strangers did not begin until that Party had completed their canvass?

MR. E. STANHOPE

No, Sir; I am not aware of it.

MR. T. P. O'CONNOR

I am.

MR. SPEAKER

Order, order!

MR. E. STANHOPE

The officer commanding makes no inquiry with reference to political Parties; but excludes them indifferently.