HC Deb 13 July 1909 vol 7 cc1846-7
Mr. ASHLEY

asked whether the special service seamen and stokers serving in His Majesty's Fleet are distributed over the whole of the commissioned fleets, or whether they are confined to certain fleets; if the latter is the case, to what fleets are they confined; and what is the maximum proportion of special service seamen and stokers borne in any of His Majesty's ships?

Mr. McKENNA

Special service seamen and stokers are drafted to all fleets. With regard to the second part of the question, it is undesirable in the public interest to give information concerning the complements of His Majesty's ships.

Mr. ASHLEY

Is the information refused because the special service seamen and stokers are less well trained than the ordinary seamen and stokers?

Mr. McKENNA

No, Sir, there is no such reason.