§ Mr. A. Lewisasked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he has considered the letter, sent to him by the hon. Member for Upton, concerning the compulsory church parade of Royal Marines at Sandwich, Kent; and whether he will make a statement in connection therewith.
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§ Mr. AlexanderOfficers and men not on duty are expected to attend divine service on Sundays unless permission to be absent is obtained on the ground of religious scruples. In H.M.S. "Robertson," at Sandwich, the service is held in the small ship's chapel, where the accommodation is limited and small parties of men have been detailed to attend. I regret to say that on a recent occasion a non-commissioned officer misinterpreted the instructions which he had received about men claiming to have religious scruples. I am taking steps to ensure that it does not occur again.