ROYAL MARINES BILL. [H.L.]

HL Deb 03 September 1939 vol 114 cc960-1

EARL STANHOPE

My Lords, I beg to introduce a Bill entitled Royal Marines Bill; and to move that it be now read a first time.

Moved, That the Bill be now read 1^a.—(Earl Stanhope.)

On Question, Bill read 1^a, and to be printed.

Then, Standing Order No. XXXIX having been suspended:

EARL STANHOPE

My Lords, I beg to move that this Bill be read a second time. The purpose of the measure is to give the Admiralty in relation to noncommissioned officers and men of the Royal Marines whose terms of enlistment have expired the same power which the Admiralty have enjoyed for many years in relation to naval ratings under the Naval Enlistment Act, 1853—namely, that His Majesty may by Proclamation call upon seamen serving in the Navy to extend the terms of their services for a further five years if their services are so long required. This really places the Marines in the same position as the Royal Navy, and I do not think I need explain it further to your Lordships. I beg to move that the Bill be now read a second time.

Moved, That the Bill be now read 2^a.—(Earl Stanhope.)

On Question, Bill read 2^a: Committee negatived.

Bill read 3^a, and passed, and sent to the Commons.