§ 9. Mr. Ellis Smithasked the Secretary of State for War why men are stopped by the military police so often and asked for their passes, in view of the check that there is at headquarters; will he stop this and also issue an order to abolish saluting except when on duty?
§ Sir J. GriggThe purpose of this checking of passes is to detect absence without leave, and I am not prepared to order its discontinuance. With regard to the last part of his Question, I would refer my hon. Friend to an answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Leigh (Mr. Tinker) on 14th October, 1941.
§ Mr. SmithThe Minister will be aware that the cream of our manhood is now serving in the Armed Forces, but is he aware that they resent interference of this kind which is constantly taking place, and in view of that will he reconsider his reply?
§ Sir J. GriggNo, Sir. Unfortunately absence without leave still exists in the Army, and this is the best way of checking it.
§ Mr. SmithIs the percentage of absence without leave sufficient to warrant resorting to the continuation of this practice?
§ Sir J. GriggYes, Sir.
§ Sir H. WilliamsHas the Minister ever known a good soldier who objected to saluting, or a good officer objecting to acknowledging a salute, even though he has to do it 30 times more often than a man has to salute?
§ Sir J. GriggThat is an expression of opinion.
§ Mr. ThorneHow does it do any good if I salute the Minister?