HC Deb 02 December 1925 vol 188 cc2218-9
63. Mr. SAKLATVALA

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the extension of the franchise to include all members of the Forces, he is prepared to grant further facilities for the dissemination of the views of all political parties to the same extent as obtains with private citizens?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Godfrey Locker-Lampson)

I have been asked to reply. I know of no obstacles in the way of the lawful dissemination of views among the Forces, and the Home Secretary has no power to give facilities for anything which would be unlawful.

Mr. SAKLATVALA

Will the hon. Gentleman the Under-Secretary say if it is equally lawful to spread out newspapers, leaflets, and pamphlets from the political associations in the barracks just as much as we can do it among private citizens?

Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSON

Any question of that kind has to do with the King's Regulations, and ought to be put to the War Office.

Mr. SAKLATVALA

That is exactly the question which I have put down to the Prime Minister: Whether he would give equal facilities for soldiers as well as other citizens in civil life because the franchise rights are exactly equal?

Mr. NEIL MACLEAN

Will the Prime Minister see to it that all parties, including the Socialist party, in this country will be permitted to send all kinds of Parliamentary Election and propagandist literature to the soldiers who are registered on the roll of electors of every constituency, and who may be in barracks at the time?

Mr. B. SMITH

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the King's Regulations contain specific clauses which, in fact, debar certain specific literature to the troops and to the Navy?

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member should address that question to the War Office.

Commander O. LOCKER-LAMPSON

Will the hon. Gentleman see that subversive doctrines are not disseminated among the troops?