Skip to main content

Armed Forces (Saluting In Streets)

Volume 388: debated on Thursday 22 April 1943

The text on this page has been created from Hansard archive content, it may contain typographical errors.

45.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the desirability of abolishing saluting in the streets of London and other large cities where this practice is embarrassing to both officers and men because of its frequency?

No, Sir. A salute is an acknowledgment of the King's Commission and a courtesy to Allied officers, and I do not consider it desirable to differentiate between one city or town and another in this matter.

While appreciating what the right hon. Gentleman says, may I ask him whether he appreciates that the officers and men concerned will be deeply disappointed with his answer?

Has it not been usually understood that saluting is an acknowledgment of the King's uniform?