§ 15. Mr. LEES-SMITHasked the Undersecretary of State for War whether he is aware that on 19th March last a number of the troops at Blackpool were marched to the Palace Theatre and there compelled to listen to a speech on the War, by an officer in uniform, containing political statements of a controversial and provocative character; and whether this was a violation of King's Regulation 451?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONIf my hon. Friend will furnish me with exact information as to the statements which he deems to have been political and of a. controversial and provocative nature, I will consider as to whether or not the provisions of paragraph 451 of the King's Regulations have been violated.
§ Mr. LEES-SMITHMay I ask whether a speech dealing with the subject of why we entered the War, and why we are still at war, would not come within paragraph 451 of the King's Regulations?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONNot necessarily.
§ Mr. LEES-SMITHIf someone, not an officer in uniform, went to Blackpool and addressed a meeting on that subject, and soldiers attended, would that come within the Regulation?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat does not arise.