§ Mr. Mitchisonasked the Secretary of State for War whether he has yet published the regulations to abolish compulsory church parades; whether he is aware that on loth November, 1946, there was held a compulsory church parade for some or all of the men attached to the headquarters of the 2nd Infantry Brigade, M.E.L.F.; and what steps he proposes to take to ensure the discontinuance of such parades.
§ Mr. BellengerYes, Sir. The amended regulations for church parades have been published. They include provision for a parade of troops at the discretion of the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, for a ceremonial occasion of national or local importance which includes a religious service. Armistice Day is clearly such an occasion and I have no intention of discontinuing this practice. No one, however, will be obliged to attend a religious service of a denomination other than his own.