§ Mr. PETOasked the First Lord of the-Admiralty whether the oath of allegiance to the King, his heirs, and successors has been abolished in the case of lower-deck ratings on joining the Royal Navy; and, if so, when, and whether he will take steps to restore the form of attestation to its earlier form?
§ Dr. MACNAMARARatings entering the Royal Navy have never been required to take the oath of allegiance; the second part of the question does net therefore arise. I should like, however, to assure my hon. Friend that there has been no recent change in the form of engagement, nor is any contemplated.