§ Mr. Frank Allaunasked the Secretary of State for Defence if his permission was given to Colonel D. L. Bailey, Commandant of the Commando Training Centre, Royal Marines, Lympstone, to appear publicly at a recent function of the Monday Club at Sidmouth; and if he will draw attention to the regulation that serving officers must not take any 62W active part in the affairs of any political organisation or party.
§ Mr. JuddWhile the Queen's Regulations for the Royal Navy provide that regular personnel are not to take any active part in the affairs of any political organisation or party, they also state that no restriction is placed upon attendance, whether in uniform or in plain clothes, at political meetings, provided that Service duties are not impeded. Colonel Bailey was, therefore, entitled to attend the function as a guest: he wore civilian clothes. I am satisfied that the rules are understood.