§ Lord Sefton of Garstonasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether it is the case that "All officers in command of HM Ships shall cause public worship of Almighty God to be performed in their respective ships" and if so whether they will consider abolishing the regulations which insist on this requirement.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State Ministry of Defence (The Earl of Arran)The First Article of War simply places a duty on Officers in command of HM Ships to ensure that religious services take place. To have no religious observance available for those who wish to attend such services would be to deny them the freedom of practising their religious beliefs. The First Article of War protects such rights. In the circumstances there is no justification for repealing the First Article of the Naval Discipline Act 1957.