§ 45. Mr. Tinkerasked the Prime Minister if he is aware that all ranks in the Services are of opinion that saluting in the streets is honoured more in the breach than by observance and if he will consider an Order that did not make it a breach of discipline not saluting when off duty.
§ The Prime Minister (Mr. Churchill)No, Sir. A salute is an acknowledgment of the King's Commission and a courtesy 26 to Allied officers and I do not consider it desirable to attempt to make the distinction suggested by my hon. Friend.
§ Mr. TinkerIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that when regulations are made for discipline, unless they are respected by the majority of those concerned, they become irksome to everyone and soon fall into disuse? If the right hon. Gentleman will walk along Whitehall with me some day, he will find that everybody is trying to evade this, both officers and men. It is on account of that, I think, that saluting ought to be abolished.
§ The Prime MinisterIf my hon. Friend has an opportunity of visiting Moscow during the war, I think he will see the smartest saluting in the world. The Russians attach great importance to these minor acts of ceremony in the building up of armies which are capable of facing the worst rigours of war.
§ Wing-Commander Grant-FerrisIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that one never sees an American saluting?*
§ Sir A. SouthbyMay I ask my right hon. Friend, should he consider walking down Whitehall with the hon. Member for Leigh (Mr. Tinker), if he will explain to him that when people take off their hats, they are taking them off to my right hon. Friend and not to the hon. Member for Leigh?
§ Mr. ThorneIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that if I met him in the street I would salute him?
§ The Prime MinisterI hope we should be walking arm in arm.