HC Deb 16 February 1956 vol 548 c288W
Brigadier Clarke

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he will consider allowing ratings to wear civilian clothes when on shore leave from Her Majesty's ships away from their home port.

Mr. Ward

All ratings over 17½ years of age, other than those undergoing training on first entry, are allowed to wear plain clothes when on leave in the United Kingdom. They may also wear them when proceeding on leave from, and returning to, shore establishments. The privilege of changing into plain clothes on board Her Majesty's ships, as opposed to shore establishments, before proceeding on leave is restricted to chief petty officers, and is permitted at a number of ports in addition to the home ports.