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?

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.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries as to Saturday, 20th?

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.

Does the right hon. Gentleman wish me to put another question?

No, Sir, I will inquire.

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?

If so, I am rather sorry to hear it.

HON. MEMBERS:

Why?

Is it to be implied from the answer of the right hon. Gentleman that Marines are not to attend these meetings?

No, Sir. The answer refers to the King's Regulations, and what is stated there.

Captain BENN:

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman what he meant by saying that he is sorry to hear of an ex-service man belonging to one or other of the political parties?

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.