§ 29. Commander BELLAIRSasked the First Lord of the Admiralty, in view of the fact that it is laid down in the King's Regulations that Divine Service is to be performed every Sunday according to the Liturgy of the Church of England, whether the appointed day of intercession in the Church of England for the Christians in Soviet Russia will apply throughout His Majesty's ships carrying chaplains of the Church of England?
Mr. ALEXANDERNo, Sir. The only service in His Majesty's ships to which this would apply would be the parade service and the Board are of opinion that this service does not lend itself to the introduction of a special service of the nature indicated.
§ Commander BELLAIRSWill the right hon. Gentleman give facilities for officers and men to attend churches on shore on the day of Intercession?
Mr. ALEXANDERThe officiating chaplains in the Navy have always had their own arrangements with the personnel for such services as the men desire voluntarily to attend. If there be any desire for an intercessory service of this kind, there is no objection, but it would obviously be very wrong to ask them to introduce a service of this kind as a compulsory parade.
§ Mr. THURTLECan my right hon. Friend say whether the ratings have expressed any strong desire for this service?.
§ Mr. BROCKWAYIs not political propaganda definitely prohibited under King's Regulations?