§ 1. Mr. DONNERasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he will consult the Governments of Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the Union of South Africa with a view to establishing machinery, beyond the existing preliminary examinations, in order to arrange examinations in these Dominions constituting a final acceptance, for those wishing to enlist in the Royal Navy?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for DOMINION AFFAIRS (Mr. Malcolm MacDonald)I understand that the Board of Admiralty are satisfied with the present position as regards the recruitment from the Dominions of ratings for 220 the Royal Navy. Every consideration would, of course, be given to any suggestion which might be made by any of His Majesty's Governments in the Dominions, but I gather that there are considerable practical obstacles in the way of any extension of the existing arrangements.
§ Mr. DONNERIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a considerable demand in the Dominions at the present time for some improvement in this matter?
§ Mr. MacDONALDAny suggestion from Dominion Governments will, of course, receive careful consideration.
§ Earl WINTERTONDoes this cover the case of Newfoundland, where there are a number of men willing to join the Royal Navy, but there is no means of bringing them in?
§ Mr. MacDONALDI will look into that matter.