§ Mr. BAKERasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty the conditions under which men of the lower deck are allowed to become candidates for Parliament?
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§ Mr. AMMONThe present rule is briefly as follows: A naval rating invited to stand as Parliamentary candidate must obtain the permission of the Admiralty, the granting of which depends upon the exigencies of the Service. He is then granted leave of absence for a period commencing eight days before the issue of the proclamation or writ and extending until the declaration of the poll. He is not permitted to wear naval uniform whilst prosecuting his candidature. If elected, he is to be given the option of taking a free discharge or of being transferred to the Royal Fleet Reserve for a period not exceeding two years, during which he may elect to take his discharge or may, subject to Admiralty permission, revert to the active service to complete his engagement.