§ 38. Mr. Keenanasked the First Lord of the Admiralty why leading ratings, badge-men and higher ranks only, are allowed to wear civilian clothes when on leave in Gibraltar; and if this is a Service order.
§ Mr. AlexanderArticle 165A of King's Regulations and Admiralty Instructions gives discretion to commanding officers to grant permission to wear plain clothes when on short leave to men of leading rate and above, non-commissioned officers Royal Marines, and all men in possession of good conduct badges. At British ports abroad such permission is subject to conditions approved by the commander-in-chief of the station. Gibraltar is, therefore, in line with other commands abroad in the observance of this Regulation, which is one of long standing.
§ Mr. KeenanIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the operation of this order has caused a great deal of dissatisfaction in the Service at Gibraltar?
§ Mr. Alexander1 have never heard of any complaint of any kind until this moment. The fact that any rating with a good conduct badge is entitled to it on. 1143 short leave and all men in the Navy are entitled to it on long leave has proved to be satisfactory.