HC Deb 12 November 1940 vol 365 cc1564-5
32. Mr. Ralph Beaumont

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will make a statement as to the extent to which the provisions of the King's Regulations, preventing serving soldiers from approaching Members of Parliament, now apply?

Mr. Eden

A serving officer or soldier who wishes to make any representation relating to military matters is entitled to make it through the recognised military channels and in no other way. On other matters, he is fully at liberty to communicate with hon. Members.

Sir A. Southby

Will the right hon. Gentleman make it perfectly clear that nothing can prevent a constituent from approaching his Member of Parliament on any subject on which he feels he should have the latter's advice?

Mr. Eden

I do not think there are any real difficulties about this. Judging from my postbag, I think it works very well.

Mr. Davidson

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I received a letter from his Under-Secretary yesterday, stating that a colonel who reprimanded a soldier for approaching an M.P. was perfectly in order?

Mr. Bevan

Will the right hon. Gentleman send instructions to officers informing them that no penalties at all can be inflicted on men for communicating with Members of Parliament? This is a very serious matter. In many letters which we receive we are asked by the men not to give their names because they are afraid of action being taken by their officers?

Mr. Magnay

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in one case the commanding officer threatened a man with court-martial because he had the audacity to come to me, his Member of Parliament?

Mr. Eden

I think the position under King's Regulations is perfectly clear. If it is not clear, I will consider the Supplementary Questions that have been asked and make it clear in a later answer.

Mr. Granville

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that that is issued in regimental orders, where the troops can see it?

Mr. Eden

There is not only that; there is the question of King's Regulations, in the light of which these questions must be carefully considered. I was under the impression that Members did not have any difficulty, but if that is not so, I will look into it.

Mr. Bevan

Will the public Press, which is now most inadequately reporting the proceedings of the House of Commons, give publicity to this matter?

Mr. Gurney Braithwaite

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in many cases, owing to this difficulty, the parents of the men concerned may write to their Members?

Mr. Ralph Beaumont

The Regulations were made for a small peace-time Army and are not therefore suitable for a large war-time Army composed of men drawn from all occupations who have hitherto enjoyed the right of approaching Members of Parliament whenever they liked. Should not the Regulations therefore be modified?

Mr. Eden

It is not my intention to bar access to Members of Parliament. The question, however, arises of squaring that with King's Regulations.