Oral Answers to Questions — Royal Navy. – in the House of Commons am ar 1 Gorffennaf 1925.
Mr Henry Snell
, Woolwich East
asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he is aware that during an open-air meeting held at Deal on Saturday, 20th June, and addressed by a Labour party Speaker, members of the Royal Marines who were in the audience were removed by the Marine Military Police; if the marines are forbidder to listen to political speeches; if so, does the prohibition extend to officers as well as privates and non-commissioned officers and to the meetings of all political parties; and whether, seeing that Service men are now entitled to vote, they will in future be afforded the same facilities as members of the general public to inform themselves as to the issues on which they may be called upon to vote?
Mr William Bridgeman
, Oswestry
I am informed that no Royal Marines were removed by the Royal Marine Military Police from any Labour open-air meeting at Deal on 21st June. I see by to-day's Order Paper that the date there is 20th June, although it was the 21st in the Blue Papers. The hon. Gentleman must take my answer as applying to the 21st. As regards the other points raised, the attendance of officers and men at political meetings and demonstrations is governed by paragraph 507, King's Regulations for the army and Army Reserve, of which I am sending the hon. Member a copy.
Mr Henry Snell
, Woolwich East
Will the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries as to Saturday, 20th?
Mr William Bridgeman
, Oswestry
Certainly. I only wanted to prevent there being any confusion about my answer, because I think the hon. Gentleman will agree that the 21st was the date in the Blue Papers.
Mr Henry Snell
, Woolwich East
Does the right hon. Gentleman wish me to put another question?
Mr William Bridgeman
, Oswestry
No, Sir, I will inquire.
Mr Harry Day
, Southwark Central
Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Speaker was a man who had served in the Royal Marines originally, and that he and his two sons served in the late War?
Mr William Bridgeman
, Oswestry
If so, I am rather sorry to hear it.
Mr Benjamin Riley
, Dewsbury
Is it to be implied from the answer of the right hon. Gentleman that Marines are not to attend these meetings?
Mr William Bridgeman
, Oswestry
No, Sir. The answer refers to the King's Regulations, and what is stated there.
Mr John Whitley
, Halifax
Who the Speaker was really does not affect the present matter. The first question on the point was irregular, and I deprecate very much going into personalities. It is a matter of principle, and not of personalities.
The Speaker is an MP who has been elected to act as Chairman during debates in the House of Commons. He or she is responsible for ensuring that the rules laid down by the House for the carrying out of its business are observed. It is the Speaker who calls MPs to speak, and maintains order in the House. He or she acts as the House's representative in its relations with outside bodies and the other elements of Parliament such as the Lords and the Monarch. The Speaker is also responsible for protecting the interests of minorities in the House. He or she must ensure that the holders of an opinion, however unpopular, are allowed to put across their view without undue obstruction. It is also the Speaker who reprimands, on behalf of the House, an MP brought to the Bar of the House. In the case of disobedience the Speaker can 'name' an MP which results in their suspension from the House for a period. The Speaker must be impartial in all matters. He or she is elected by MPs in the House of Commons but then ceases to be involved in party politics. All sides in the House rely on the Speaker's disinterest. Even after retirement a former Speaker will not take part in political issues. Taking on the office means losing close contact with old colleagues and keeping apart from all groups and interests, even avoiding using the House of Commons dining rooms or bars. The Speaker continues as a Member of Parliament dealing with constituent's letters and problems. By tradition other candidates from the major parties do not contest the Speaker's seat at a General Election. The Speakership dates back to 1377 when Sir Thomas Hungerford was appointed to the role. The title Speaker comes from the fact that the Speaker was the official spokesman of the House of Commons to the Monarch. In the early years of the office, several Speakers suffered violent deaths when they presented unwelcome news to the King. Further information can be obtained from factsheet M2 on the UK Parliament website.
The order paper is issued daily and lists the business which will be dealt with during that day's sitting of the House of Commons.
It provides MPs with details of what will be happening in the House throughout the day.
It also gives details of when and where the standing committees and select committees of the Commons will be meeting.
Written questions tabled to ministers by MPs on the previous day are listed at the back of the order paper.
The order paper forms one section of the daily vote bundle and is issued by the Vote Office
