HC Deb 07 October 1909 vol 11 cc2187-8
Mr. CARLILE

asked whether, in the event of the Hertfordshire branch of the Navy League undertaking to maintain a training ship for boys of good character from the age of 13 to 17, with the view of their subsequently entering the Navy or the merchant service the Board of Trade would make an annual grant towards the expense of the ship and a capitation grant towards the maintenance of efficient pupils?

Mr. TENNANT

The Board of Trade have no funds out of which they could make any grant in aid of the initial expense, or maintenance, of the training ship referred to in the hon. Member's question.

Mr. CARLILE

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in the event of the Hertfordshire branch of the Navy League undertaking to maintain a training ship for boys of good character from the ages of 13 to 17, with the view of their qualifying in nautical, mechanical, and electrical training, in order subsequently to enter the Royal Navy, the Admiralty would be prepared to supply to that organisation free of cost H.M.S. "Pactolus," or a similar ship: and whether the Admiralty would be prepared to undertake the cost of suitably fitting up the ship and of furnishing the necessary moorings in the Thames?

The FIRST LORD of the ADMIRALTY (Mr. McKenna)

An application has been received for H.M.S. "Pactolus" from the Hertfordshire branch of the Navy League, and is under consideration.