§ MR. BOWLES (Lambeth, Norwood)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that the notice published and displayed at recruiting stations by the Admiralty informs intending naval recruits that medicines and hospital treatment, both at home and abroad, are provided at the Government expense; whether he is aware that Article 1420 of the King's Regulations exacts stoppages of from 4d. to 10d. per day from the full pay of all men and boys 1633 checked sick for over 30 days from ships at home, or invalided home from ships abroad; whether these stoppages from sick men's pay are in fact made; and, if so, whether he can explain the grounds upon which the terms of the recruiting notice in question are held to be justified.
§ THE CIVIL LORD OF THE ADMIRALTY (Mr. Lambert, Devonshire, South Molton)As a matter of fact medicines and free treatment for thirty days in hospital are given. The pamphlet issued also for recruiting purposes states this with clearness. Steps will be taken to amend the notice referred to, which is a general statement only, so as to prevent misapprehension.