§ 2. Mr. COWANasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether his attention has been called to a postcard, signed by G. D. H. MacKinnon, Lieutenant, R.N., inviting men of the National Reserve to meet him at an appointed place at 2.15 p.m. on Saturday, 4th April, in order to take part in a protest at Hyde Park against the employment of British troops to force Home Rule upon Ulster, and expressing the hope that every ex-military man who loves his King and country would support Lieutenant MacKinnon on that occasion wearing medals and decorations; whether he is aware that quantities of these postcards have been sent by the officer who signs them to sergeants in the National Reserve, with instructions to forward them to the men of their sections; what action he proposes to take to protect non-commissioned officers against such treatment; and what action is proposed to be taken with regard to Lieutenant MacKinnon?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI have no knowledge of the matters referred to. I would point out, however, that the officer in question is on the retired list.
§ Mr. COWANIs the House to understand that officers on the retired list may indulge in practice of this sort, and endeavour to induce non-commissioned officers in the Army to take part in polities?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAWhatever view I may hold about the impropriety of Service men taking part in politics—and I hold very, very strong views about that—I do not think I can say that ex-Service men should not take part in politics.
§ Mr. MORRELLMay I ask whether this Gentleman is now drawing pay?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThis ex-naval officer is drawing retired pay.
§ Mr. COWANIf he is drawing retired pay is he not still in the service of the Government, and is he not therefore in a position in which he may be treated in a disciplinary way?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAHe is certainly drawing retired pay. That is given at the discretion of the Admiralty, and may be forfeited and may be suspended for any misconduct or any act rendering him unworthy to receive it, but I confess I am not prepared to say that his taking part in politics would cause that to arise. There are a number of ex-Service men in this House on both sides.
§ Mr. HARRY LAWSONMay I ask the right hon. Gentlemen whether there has ever been any question of imposing political disabilities on those who have served in the Army or Navy, and whether those in receipt of retired pay have not ceased to do their service?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI thought I had sufficiently answered that. I said there are a number of ex-Service men in this House on both sides.