§ Mr. BRIDGEMANasked the First Lord of the Admiralty if his attention has been called to the fact that the cadets at Osborne College have no swimming-bath, and are not taught to swim; and if it is the view of the Admiralty that swimming is not a necessary part of the training of a Naval cadet?
§ The FIRST LORD of the ADMIRALTY (Mr. McKenna)The construction of a swimming bath in now under consideration. I would remind the hon. Member that the Osborne cadets do not go straight to sea from that college, but first spend two years at Dartmouth, where all are taught to swim and there are excellent facilities for the purpose.
§ Mr. DOUGLAS HALLIs it a fact that the cadets have been refused permission to swim in Osborne Bay because the water is not pure enough for them?
§ Mr. McKENNAI will inquire into the matter.
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANasked how many of the stewards and attendants at Osborne College have previously served in the Navy or Army; and if any preference is given in appointing them to old sailors and soldiers?
§ Mr. McKENNAOf the eighty-five stewards and attendants thirty-seven are Army or Navy pensioners. Most of the rest have previous Army or Navy service, but as the college is now broken up for vacation the precise number cannot at present be given. The reply to the second part of the question is in the affirmative.