HC Deb 04 December 1945 vol 416 cc2086-7
41. Mr. Daines

asked the Secretary of State for War under which provision of King's Regulations has a commanding officer the power to compel men detailed for church parade to attend divine service.

Mr. Lawson

Paragraph 1605.

Mr. Thurtle

Will my right hon. Friend consider revising this order, and is he aware that the great party which he represents has always been against this enforced religious observance?

Mr. Lawson

That would be a matter for consideration later on, but as the law is I cannot interfere.

Mr. Gallacher

Are we to take it from this Question and answer that, contrary to the situation in the earthly sphere, the supply of celestial transport is greater than the demand?

Captain Blackburn

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind, in reconsidering this matter, that the mingling of patriotism, discipline and church is resented by many people with extremely sincere religious convictions?