§ 2. Lord CHARLES BERESFORDasked the number of short-service men that are to be enlisted out of the 8,500 proposed as additional in this year's Estimates?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLAs I explained in debate, the numbers by which it is proposed to increase the Navy are approximately 7,000. In order to make good waste and arrive at this increase more than twice the number of boys and men of all ratings will be recruited. Of the total numbers recruited, about 1,850 will be Special Service stokers and about 500 1148 Special Service seamen. The service of Special Service stokers and seamen is five years afloat and seven in the Reserve.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEDoes the right hon. Gentleman withdraw his statement made in his Memorandum regarding the 8,500 men to be added this year to the Fleet?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLNo, Sir; I cannot withdraw any statement. They are all strictly accurate.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKECan the right hon. Gentleman state how many out of the 8,500 are officers and how many seamen?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLYes Sir, on notice being given.
§ 4. Lord C. BERESFORDasked how many short-service men are borne in each ship of the First Fleet?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLNo useful purpose would be served by giving this information in detail, but I may say that by the Returns of last February the actual number of Special Service seamen borne throughout the Navy is 3.8 per cent. of the number of seamen borne, excluding boys, or 3 per cent. of the number of seamen and boys. The number of Special Service stokers is 14.8 per cent. of the total number of stokers borne.
§ Lord C. BERESFORDIs the right hon. Gentleman increasing or decreasing the number of Special Service men?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI must ask for notice. I could not answer without reference.