HC Deb 28 July 1908 vol 193 cc1211-2
MR. BELLAIRS

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that the King's Regulations and Admiralty Instructions forbid naval officers holding any communications with the Press and so prevent them from contradicting statements of a defamatory character; and whether in the absence of any guidance in the King's Regulations and Admiralty Instructions, he can state if they are free to take proceedings for libel when a newspaper of repute submits them to malicious and defamatory attacks.

MR. McKENNA

As regards the first part of the Question, the existing rule, as laid down in circular letter of 21st November last, is that all persons belonging to the Fleet are forbidden to write for publication or to publish or cause to be published, either directly or indirectly, any matter or information relating to the naval service unless the permission of the Admiralty has been first obtained. With regard to the second part of the Question, an officer on half-pay or on the retired list would be free to act, should he so elect, without formal reference to the Admiralty, subject to the paramount interests of the naval service. An officer on full pay or serving under the Admiralty on salary would, as a matter of discipline, apply to the Admiralty for sanction of his proposed proceedings.

MR. BELLAIRS

In the event of its being against the paramount interest of the Navy for an officer on full pay to bring a libel action, do the right hon. Gentleman and his colleagues recognise their special obligation to defend an officer whose reputation is assailed by falsehoods circulated in a paper of repute?

MR. McKENNA

I have no case before me in which it is alleged that it is not in the interests of the service that any officer on full pay should bring an action for libel. I cannot consider the question unless I have a specific case before me.

MR. BELLAIRS

Is any statement going to be made in regard to the alleged occurrence in the Channel Fleet under Lord Charles Beresford?

MR. McKENNA

That is an entirely different question. It has nothing to do with the Question on the Paper.

MR. GRETTON (Rutland)

Does the regulation quoted apply to naval officers employed at the Admiralty or on the staff of the Admiralty?

MR. McKENNA

The regulations would apply universally through the service.