§ 23. Mr. Ian Lloydasked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the policy of Her Majesty's Government on the appearance of serving officers in Her Majesty's Armed Forces in uniform in commercial advertisements published in national newspapers and other similar publications.
§ Mr. ReynoldsI consider that serving members should not normally be identified with advertisements for commercial products, but it is impossible to foresee all the circumstances which might arise 1334 and I do not exclude the possibility that permission might again exceptionally be given.
§ Mr. LloydIs that not a very unsatisfactory Answer? Having undermined the power of the Services, are the Government now set on undermining their dignity? Should this be allowed to happen again in any circumstances?
§ Mr. ReynoldsMembers of Her Majesty's Services can accept paid employment in almost any field, with permission under various regulations applying to the three Services and subject to the over-riding priority being given to their main job. I would not want to strengthen the regulations because they give enough scope to those who give permission in individual cases.