§ 68. Sir W. DAVISONasked the Prime Minister whether any classes of civil servants have recently been freed from the obligation of taking the oath of allegiance; what classes of civil servants are now exempt from this obligation; and whether he will introduce in the next Session of Parliament such legislation as may be necessary to secure that all persons in the employ of the Crown or of local authorities which are directly or indirectly in receipt of State aid shall be required to take the oath of allegiance?
§ Mr. BALDWINAll clerical and administrative officers serving in an established capacity in the Civil Service were required to take the oath of allegiance by a Regulation of the 2nd August, 1918, made under the Defence of the Realm Act. This Regulation automatically ceased to have effect with the official end of the War. I am not prepared to adopt the suggestion contained in the last part of the question.
§ Sir W. DAVISONWhat is the objection to people in the employment of the Crown taking the oath of allegiance?
§ Mr. BALDWINIt has never been the practice in the Civil Service, and I have complete confidence.
§ Sir W. DAVISONIs it a question of honour, considering that all members of the Army and Navy have to take the oath of allegiance?