§ 73. Major-General Sir Alfred Knoxasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he will consider the granting of full official status together with an adequate per capita allowance to the Hampstead and Slough naval brigades which have trained themselves at their own expense for several years?
§ Mr. ShakespeareMy hon. and gallant Friend will appreciate that the policy in regard to naval brigades will need to be re-examined in relation to the provisions of the Military Training Bill now before the House and the formation of the Royal Naval Special Reserve. I am not in a position at present to say how these naval brigades will be affected, but my hon. and gallant Friend may be assured that the conditions which he has mentioned will be borne in mind before a final decision is taken.
§ Sir A. KnoxWill the hon. Gentleman bear in mind that the Hampstead Brigade, which is now 140 strong, has trained several hundred men, and that the Slough Brigade has had to turn away 187 men owing to lack of Government support; and will the hon. Gentleman avoid any decision that would damp down the splendid patriotic enthusiasm of these local brigades?
§ Mr. Duff CooperIn considering this question will the hon. Gentleman bear in mind that it is most important, while we 484 are introducing a limited measure of compulsion, that nothing is done to frustrate the efforts of these admirable naval brigades, which are an excellent example of what can be done at the same time by the voluntary principle?
§ Mr. ShakespeareThat is the principle which has been accepted by the Government. As regards the first question, the Admiralty are aware of the very fine work that has been done by these brigades in stimulating the enthusiasm of those interested in naval matters.
§ Sir A. KnoxWill the hon. Gentleman undertake to keep these organisations in being?
§ Mr. ShakespeareI have pointed out that that question is now under consideration.