MR. GODFEEY BARING (Isle of Wight)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he can give the House any information as to the cause of the recent insubordinate conduct amongst the naval stokers at the Naval Barracks, Portsmouth.
§ *MR. EDMUND ROBERTSONA court of inquiry has been constituted to inquire into the whole Question. Their report is not expected until next Monday, and in the meantime it will not be possible for me to make any statement.
§ MR. DALZIEL (Kirkcaldy Burghs)Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether he has any information to justify the belief that an order was given with the intention of punishing and humiliating the men? Will the men have full opportunity of stating their case before the inquiry?
§ *MR. EDMUND ROBERTSONThere is no doubt.
§ MR. BELLAIRSCan the right hon. Gentleman favour the House with the terms of reference?
§ *MR. EDMUND ROBERTSONsaid the terms of reference would include inquiry into the general circumstances of the disturbance.
§ MR. DALZIELWill it include inquiry into the character of the officer and the allegations made against him?
§ *MR. EDMUND ROBERTSONI cannot say anything further on the subject.
§ MR. BOWLES (Lambeth, Norwood)Is it the present intention of the Admiralty to lay the report before the House?
§ *MR. EDMUND ROBERTSONThe practice has not been to make public important documents of that kind. They are intended for the opinion of the Admiralty: but the action of the Admiralty will be made public.
§ MR. KEIR HARDIE (Merthyr Tydvil)Will the men be represented on the Court?
§ *MR. EDMUND ROBERTSONThe court will consist of a rear-admiral and a commodore.