§ 72. Mr. Lewisasked the First Lord of the Admiralty what were the terms of the Admiralty Fleet Orders regulating the rights of officers and men to stand as candidates at the recent General Election; how far these orders forbade officers and men making speeches, sitting on platforms or publishing opinions in the Press; and if he will issue new orders before the next General Election which will enable all officers and men when on leave and in civilian clothes to enjoy the same rights as the rest of Her Majesty's subjects, provided no mention is made of the person's naval position when taking part in such activities.
§ Mr. J. P. L. ThomasNo Admiralty Fleet Orders were issued, as conditions of candidature for Parliament are precribed in Queen's Regulations and Admiralty Instructions under the provsions of the Servants of the Crown (Parliamentary Candidature) Order, 1950. Queen's Regulations forbid any active participation by serving personnel in political affairs. I consider that any departure from the present practice would be against the interests of the Service.