§ Mr. BOTTOMLEYasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether an order has recently been issued prohibiting boxing contests in His Majesty's Navy; and, if so, whether he will state the nature of such order and upon whose authority it was issued?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLNo order has been issued prohibiting boxing contests in His Majesty's Navy. Probably the hon. Member has in mind instructions which were recently issued that men should not be allowed to accept engagements to appear in any regular public performance for hire. These instructions are not intended to prevent men taking part in entertainments or boxing contests under Service management at canteens or sailors' homes, or when their services are given gratis, with the approval of their commanding officers, at entertainments of a charitable or philanthropic nature.