HC Deb 22 November 1927 vol 210 c1578
20. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

asked the Secretary of State for War what steps, if any, he has taken to apply the Order-in-Council of 25th July last to officers and soldiers of His Majesty's Army respecting their future political activities; whether officers of His Majesty's Army on half-pay will be permitted to become candidates for Parliament; and whether such officers who are peers will be permitted to sit and vote in another place?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

The Order-in-Council of 25th July, 1927, was applied to the Army by a Royal Warrant of 21st September, 1927, amending the pay warrant, and by Army Orders making appropriate amendments to the King's and Territorial Army Regulations. As stated by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister, the question of the Parliamentary candidature of officers on half-pay is to be further examined, and consideration will at the same time be given to the question of issuing Regulations in regard to public servants who are peers of Parliament.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

May I ask if these Regulations apply to officers who are peers?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

I think the hon. and gallant Gentleman had better wait until there has been further consideration. It is very inconvenient to deal with this matter piecemeal.