§ Lord BALCARRES (for Mr. Meysey-Thompson)asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether it is the intention of the Government to abolish the Royal Marines; and, if not, will he state how many officers and men it is intended to retain?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. With regard to the second part, the numbers will depend on requirements.
§ Mr. ASHLEYIs it not the fact that the Marines have been reduced 3,000 in the last three years?
§ Mr. McKENNAI think the hon. Gentleman has these figures on the subject; I have given them in detail.
§ Mr. LEEMay I ask, in order to relieve the great anxiety in the Corps of Royal Marines, and owing to the uncertainty they are under, whether he can see his way to issue a circular stating what is the Admiralty policy on the matter, or make a speech?
§ Mr. McKENNAThere can be no uncertainty. I have given a clear, definite negative to the first part of the question.
§ Lord BALCARRES (for Mr. Meysey-Thompson)asked how many officers have joined the Royal Marines during the last two years?
§ Mr. McKENNASix officers were entered for the Royal Marines on 1st September, 1907. None have been entered since that date. The hon. Member must, of course, understand that the late Government, in introducing the new scheme of entry of officers, arranged for the admission of officers by the old channels of Woolwich and Sandhurst up to a given date only. Cadets, who will be the Marine officers of the future, have been entered at Osborne continuously since September, 1903.