asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that R.M. under training in H.M.S. "Ramillies" are informed that the Commander-in-Chief, Portsmouth, does not believe in voluntary attendance at church; and if he will impress on the Commander-in-Chief the official view of his Department on this question.

Mr. Dugdale:

No, Sir. My information is that the Admiralty instructions on this matter are loyally observed throughout the Portsmouth Command.

Is my hon. Friend aware that this statement which is made to Royal Marine recruits must, in fact, be accurate, since it comes from the padre on board the ship concerned?

Mr. Dugdale:

I am very surprised to hear that because the inquiry addressed to the Commander-in-Chief, Portsmouth, has produced information that no instructions have been given. All commissioned and non-commissioned officers in the ship have been interrogated, and none of them professes any knowledge of the incident.

Is my hon. Friend aware that the present Commander-in-Chief, Portsmouth, has expressed misgiving about the Government's decision, and that he expressed it at a public meeting at which I was present?

Mr. Dugdale:

That is an entirely different question.