HC Deb 11 October 1946 vol 427 c95W
Major Bruce

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he will make an announcement concerning the compulsory attendance of naval personnel at Divine service.

Mr. Dugdale

Orders are today being issued to the effect that, while every facility is to be given for voluntary attendance at Divine service on Sunday, officers and men (except those who are under the age of 17½) are no longer required to attend. The Board of Admiralty have, however, expressed their conviction of the value and importance of the practice of corporate Divine worship both to the individual and to the Service as a whole; and they rely on all officers and men of their own free will to support Commanding Officers and Chaplains in the arrangements made for corporate Divine worship by ship's companies.