§ 16. Mr. HORE-BELISHAasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether any changes have been made governing the liberty of naval officers and men to participate in political activities, such as voting or taking part in meetings, during an election for Parliament?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI understand the hon. Member's question to refer to the part which it is permissible for serving officers and men to take in a Parliamentary election. No change has been made on this point by the recent Fleet Order, although the wording of the Rule has been slightly changed so as to secure uniformity in the Regulations of all three Services. The effect of the Rule is that serving officers and men are not allowed to identify themselves publicly as supporters of a particular candidate or party, either by joining an election committee, speaking or appearing on the platform at a political meeting, or canvassing on a candidate's behalf. The Rule does not, of course, prevent an officer or man from voting at an election, or attending a political meeting.
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAIs it not the fact that the new Regulations, as stated by the First Lord of the Admiralty, do deprive naval officers and men of a privilege which they have hitherto enjoyed when wearing mufti—that hitherto they have been allowed the right to attend and participate in political meetings in their private capacity when then were not in uniform?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI think the Order is capable of being differently construed, but it has certainly been held before that they were unable to take part in the political activities from which they are now precluded by the Order.
§ Commander BELLAIRSAs the Fleet Order specifically mentions half-pay officers, may I ask if the Admiralty regard half-pay officers as serving officers?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANAs my hon. and gallant Friend knows, that question, or something like it, was put to the Prime Minister a day or two ago, and he promised to inquire into the matter.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYWhat does the right hon. Gentleman mean when he says that there has been no change? There has been a change, has there not?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI said there had been no change as to taking part in Parliamentary elections. The change refers to the question of sitting in either House.
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHACan the right hon. Gentleman say what the reason is for this taking away of a privilege which they have hitherto enjoyed?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI have not admitted that it is a privilege hitherto enjoyed, but the reason was that, in the time when the party opposite were in power—
§ Mr. W. THORNEIn office.
§ Mr. BRIDGEMAN—they set up a Committee of Inquiry into the whole case, under Lord Blanesburgh. That Committee sat for a very long time, and made a Report, and it was in order to carry out part of that Report that this Order was promulgated. That is the history of the matter.
§ Mr. ERNEST BROWNDoes participation in Parliamentary elections include the right of putting questions from the body of the hall—[Interruption]. May I not, Mr. Speaker, ask the First Lord if, during the War period, there was not a good deal of trouble among the troops because this was first of all forbidden, and the authorities of the day had to grant it?