HC Deb 14 May 1908 vol 188 c1316
CAPTAIN FABER (Hampshire, Andover)

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty whether it is the practice to transfer officers and men at short notice on to ships proceeding to manœuvres; and what is the shortest notice which has been required for such a transfer.

MR. MCKENNA

As a general rule, the officers and men appointed to ships for manœuvres have ample notice. Changes in these appointments, however, are bound to occur at the last moment, due to officers or men falling sick or being unable to join for other reasons, &c., in which case others have to take their places practically without notice.

CAPTAIN FABER

Then may we take it for granted that except in exceptional circumstances there are no transfers at short notice?

MR. MCKENNA

Yes, they are only made in urgent cases.