§ MR. BELLAIRSI beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that, whereas on the 12th December, 1903, 51 per cent. of the Royal Marine Artillery were quartered on shore, this proportion has been steadily reduced to 28 per cent. on the 7th December, 1907; whether the Board will cause inquiries to be made as to the effect of so large a proportion being embarked on the special training of the corps and the re-qualifying courses of men after a period of service at sea, with special reference to the scarcity of officers at the barracks; and whether he can state if the entries of marine officers have been stopped.
§ MR. LAMBERTThe reply to the first part of the Question is in the affirmative. The Admiralty see no necessity for the inquiry suggested. The entries to the Royal Marines are now being made through Osborne alone.