HC Deb 08 April 1892 vol 3 c974
MR. T. FRY (Darlington)

I beg to ask the Financial Secretary to the War Office if it is a fact that soldiers are not allowed to go to political meetings in uniform, and are not allowed to go out of their barracks without their uniforms; and, if so, if he will take steps to give soldiers a privilege possessed by all other voters?

THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, WAR OFFICE (Mr. BRODRICK, Surrey, Guildford)

The Regulation upon the subject of political meetings is contained in paragraph 11 of Section VI. of the Queen's Regulations, and is as follows:— Officers, warrant officers, non-commissioned officers, and private soldiers are forbidden to institute, or take part in, any meetings, demonstrations, or processions for party or political purposes, in barracks, quarters, or camps, or their vicinity. Under no circumstances whatever will they attend any such meeting, wherever held, in uniform. This appears to the Secretary of State to be a most proper rule, and he is not prepared to take any steps which shall tend to weaken it.

MR. T. FRY

Do I understand that soldiers are not allowed to attend meetings in public halls without uniforms? I suppose since this rule was framed the law has been altered as to the registration of voters. Is the soldier not allowed to hear the address of a Parliamentary candidate?

MR. BRODRICK

The law has not been altered. It is impossible to allow soldiers to dispense with uniforms, and it is equally impossible to allow them to attend political meetings, wherever held, in uniform.