§ 32. Mr. Englishasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether all officers of the highest rank in the three Services should receive ministerial clearance for their published views on political subjects; and what disciplinary action is taken against them if they do not ask for such clearance when they should.
§ Mr. MulleyUnder existing regulations Service personnel are not permitted to engage in political controversy. Prior departmental clearance is required for public speeches and lectures and material intended for publication when these are concerned with official matters. In the 515W case of the most senior officers it has long been the practice for ministerial agreement to be sought before any public statements are made.