§ 12. Brigadier - General CHARTERISasked the Secretary of State for War whether members of the Episcopalian Church of Scotland and members of the Episcopalian Church of Canada are debarred from admission to the Order of Military Knights of Windsor; if so, on 967 what grounds; and, if not, whether he will have the Appendix to the King's Regulations for the Army amended so as to give correct expression to the intention to enforce the exclusion of Presbyterians only?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. As regards the last part of the question, I see no reason for amending the King's Regulations in the manner suggested, which I may add would erroneously represent their intention.
§ Captain WEDGWOOD BENNIs it not a fact that the Military Knights of Windsor are subjected to a religious test?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSNo, I do not think that, properly speaking, is a fact. They are required to attend the service of the Church of England. If the hon. and gallant Gentleman thinks that is a religious test, it is a religious test.
§ Captain BENNAre members of other denominations eligible to become Military Knights of Windsor?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSI answered that question on the last occasion in an answer to the hon. Member for Dumfries (Brigadier - General Charteris), to which I refer the hon. and gallant, Gentleman.
§ Brigadier-General CHARTERISAre we right in assuming that the only reason why members of churches other than the Church of England are debarred is that it is considered that it might conflict with their conscience to attend service at Windsor?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSthink that is not unfairly stating it.
§ Brigadier-General CHARTERISIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that other officers have to attend Church of England service, whatever their religious persuasion?
§ Mr. COUPERIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is no Episcopal Church of Scotland? The Church of Scotland is Presbyterian.
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSThat is why I am a little cautious in answering these questions.
§ Brigadier-General CHARTERISIt should read Episcopal Church in Scotland—not of Scotland.
§ 17. Mr. COUPERasked the Secretary of State for War whether it is a condition of the order that Military Knights of Windsor must be members or adherents of the Church of England?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSI would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave on the 22nd instant to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Dumfries.
§ Mr. COUPERAs this is a matter of considerabe interest and importance to the Presbyterian Church of Scotland, I beg to give notice that I shall raise it on the Adjournment.
§ Mr. MACQUISTENIs it not a fact that the Knights of Windsor were founded in the time of Henry VIII.?