15. Brigadier - General CHARTERIS asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that King's Regulations for the Army, Appendix XVI, restricts appointment of Military Knights of Windsor to members of the Church of England; whether there is anything in the letters patent regulating admission to that body which justifies this restriction; and, if not, whether he will consider the removal of a restriction which discriminates between members of Episcopalian and Presbyterian churches?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSThe Letters Patent of 1909 governing the Order of the Military Knights of Windsor require the attendance of Military Knights at Divine Service in St. George's Chapel on Sundays and other specified occasions. It would not be proper to appoint to the Order any officer whose religious opinions might conflict with the fulfilment of the duties required of him. I am not prepared to recommend the removal of the restriction in question.
§ Brigadier-General CHARTERISDoes the right hon. Gentleman think that members of the Church of Scotland would find it contrary to their religious convictions to attend service in Windsor Chapel?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSNo, I did not say that.
§ Mr. JOHNSTONWhat are these Military Knights of Windsor? Are they paid?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSIf the hon. Member puts down a question, I shall be glad to give him a detailed answer.
§ Captain WEDGWOOD BENNWill the right hon. Gentleman say whether enrolment in the Army, under Concription Acts or otherwise, is confined to members of the Church of England?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSI believe my hon. and gallant Friend knows that that is not so.