HC Deb 26 February 1934 vol 286 cc752-3
36. Mr. MABANE

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of the fact that no effective disciplinary action can be taken to enforce paragraph 17a of King's Regulations for the Navy in the case of naval officers on half-pay, he will extend the projected amendment of paragraph 17a of King's Regulations for the Navy to include all naval officers on half-pay?

The FIRST LORD of the ADMIRALTY (Sir Bolton Eyres Monsell)

No, Sir. The statement made in the first part of the question is not correct: the board have adequate administrative powers to deal with a half-pay officer who disobeys the King's Regulations.

Mr. MABANE

Is it a fact that paragraph 17a prevents officers on half-pay fulfilling their full duties as citizens if they so desire?

Commander MARSDEN

Although the Board of Admiralty may be very unkind to any officer, is it not a fact that they have no method whatsoever of enforcing this Regulation?

Sir B. EYRES MONSELL

If an officer disobeys the Regulation, he can, as a last resort, be struck off the List altogether.

Commander MARSDEN

But is it in the best interests of the Service and is it sound policy in law to make any regulation which cannot be enforced?