HC Deb 20 November 1912 vol 44 c264
3. Mr. MIDDLEMORE

asked whether the question of allowing petty officers of the Royal Navy to wear plain clothes while on leave has now been considered by the Board; and, if so, with what result?

Mr. CHURCHILL

The question has been considered and directions have been given to the Commanders-in-Chief at the Home Ports and the Home Fleets to arrange for the issue of such instructions as may be necessary to allow petty officers and others to wear plain clothes in certain circumstances.

Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

Will the right hon. Gentleman say what he means by "and others"?

Mr. CHURCHILL

It is a comprehensive term embracing several classes of persons in the Navy.

Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

Are we to infer that able-bodied seamen will be included? May I have an answer?

Mr. SPEAKER

If the hon. Member attaches importance to the question, he ought to give notice of it.

Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

The question arose out of the reply given by the First Lord to my hon. Friend. It was not exactly that I wanted to know.

Mr. SPEAKER

If the hon. Member does not want the information, he need not ask the question. If he does want the information, he should put the question down. It is no good interjecting observations.