§ 38. Mr. KEIR HARDIEasked the right hon. Gentleman whether, on Tuesday, the 22nd, and on Sunday, the 27th instant, on the occasion of certain ceremonies in connection with the Roman Catholic congress at Malta, the leave of petty officers and men of the Fleet was stopped between certain hours; and whether an order of this kind, preventing men from attending their usual places of worship on Sunday, is necessary and received his sanction?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI am not aware what the local orders on this subject were, but, assuming the facts to be as stated, I can well imagine that the large crowds which the congress brought about made it necessary to alter the leave routine in some particulars. In any case this was a matter for the judgment of the local naval authorities, who were acting in complete accord with the military authorities.
§ Mr. KEIR HARDIEWill the Admiralty make representations to the local naval authorities not to prevent young men who desire to go to church from doing so?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThat is a very fair thing to consider.