§ 21. Mr. KINGasked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether, in reference to prosecutions for having lighted windows at night at Bournemouth, which were heard last week under the Defence of the Realm Act, he is aware that a naval officer in mufti called at a house and refused to produce any authority; and whether naval officers, not in uniform, are being instructed to act as this officer did on Monday, the 12th July?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Dr. Macnamara)My attention had not been called to the incident. If my hon. Friend wishes, I will make inquiry. No instructions of the nature indicated in the latter part of the question have been issued, but presumably the gentleman in question simply acted as any citizen anxious for the safety of the realm would do.
§ Mr. KINGIs the right hon. Gentleman willing to look at the newspaper report which I will send him, which shows that this officer behaved in a rather peculiar manner to a major who was in uniform, while he himself was not in uniform?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAYes, I will read anything the hon. Member sends to me.