§ Mr. BURGOYNEasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, during the last two years, an occasion has ever arisen when the number of guests on board the Admiralty yacht was so great that accommodation could not be found for one of the Lords of the Admiralty?
§ The FIRST LORD of the ADMIRALTY (Mr. McKenna)I am not aware of the occasion referred to by the hon. Member. It has, however, been the custom on such occasions, as the review of the Fleet at Spithead, to detail one or more cabins as cloak-rooms for the official guests of the Board. These cabins become available for the Board on the guests leaving.
§ Mr. BURGOYNEasked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will state the amount of Appropriation in Aid in each of the last four years in respect of sums paid for guests entertained on board the Admiralty yacht?
§ Mr. McKENNAAs I informed the hon. Gentleman in reply to a supplementary question on 6th April, I do not think it is desirable to make such a statement.
§ Mr. BURGOYNEMay I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman will give an opportunity of thanking him, on behalf of the nation, for his generosity?
§ Mr. McKENNANo; I should regard it as most undesirable.
§ Earl WINTERTONWill the right hon. Gentleman state the reason why it is undesirable?
§ Mr. McKENNAIt is purely a personal matter. I am not speaking for myself en this matter. My predecessors in office have always adopted t*he same course in personal matters.
§ Lord BALCARRESIs not this an Appropriation in Aid out of the National Funds?
§ Mr. McKENNANo; as I am informed it is purely a voluntary payment. The practice has been adopted by all First Lords of the Admiralty ever since the existing yacht was built. I am informed 14 that there is no claim to be made on this subject, but my predecessors have always regarded it as desirable that payment should be made in respect of guests who are entertained on board the Admiralty yacht.
§ Mr. BURGOYNEWill the right hon. Gentleman inform the House whether there is any limit to the number of guests?
§ Mr. McKENNANo. If the hon. Gentleman wishes to know the number of guests on any particular day or any particular time I should be very happy to inform him.