HC Deb 13 November 1918 vol 110 cc2651-2
6. Mr. PRINGLE

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether officers, petty officers, and men of the Royal Navy who are candidates for Parliament at the coming General Election will be granted the same leave as has been promised to officers, non-commissioned officers, and men of the Army during the Election?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Dr. Macnamara)

Officers or men invited to stand as Parliamentary candidates must obtain the permission of the Admiralty to do so through the usual Service channel. The granting of such permission must depend upon the exigencies of the Service.

In cases in which such permission has been granted to an officer or man, he will be granted leave of absence to appear before the duly accredited committee or association of the recognised party, or any other body of persons proposing to adopt him. The leave would commence eight days before the issue of the Writs. Should the candidate be adopted, this eight days will be extended so as to cover the additional nine days of the Election, plus a period of seven to ten days, representing the period which must elapse between the opening and declaration of the poll.

Mr. G. LAMBERT

Why should an officer have to ask permission of the Admiralty to stand for Parliament?

Dr. MACNAMARA

Because the exigencies of the Service compel the Board of Admiralty to have the matter in their discretion. My right hon. Friend has been a member of the Board, and he will consider the case of an officer in charge of a battleship, the engineer in charge of machinery of a great ship, submarine or destroyer coxswain, or the higher gunnery or torpedo ratings. All these men are indispensable. The fighting efficiency of the Fleet is the only ground on which the Admiralty withhold permission.

Mr. PRINGLE

Has the Admiralty, as a matter of fact, already received requests for permission to accept an invitation, and have any been refused?

Dr. MACNAMARA

There has been a request, but I cannot say if there has been a refusal, because these rules have only just been completed. But a decision will be taken, and if my hon. Friend would like to see the whole Admiralty Order, I shall be glad to let him see it.

Mr. PRINGLE

Will officers and men of the Navy who have been already adopted require now afresh to apply for special permission from the Board of Admiralty to present themselves?

Dr. MACNAMARA

Yes; unless it has been already granted.