HL Deb 16 July 1999 vol 604 c73WA
Lord Burnham

asked Her Majesty's Government:

In the light of a statement announced by the Government in standing station orders and shortly to be issued as a Defence Council Instruction, what "organisations of a secretive nature" other than Freemasonry are listed as among those for which "serving personnel should not encourage or promote membership". [HL3486]

Lord Gilbert

There is no intention or policy to preclude service personnel from membership of any lawful and benevolent organisation. Membership of such organisationsper se is a matter for the individuals concerned, but membership should not be promoted or encouraged. It is, therefore, not our intention to collate a list of organisations which are similar to the Freemasons. It would be more appropriate to examine each case on its merits should the need arise.