§ Mr. BURGOYNEasked whether it was according to regulations that gunners should, if in full employment, alternate two years' sea service with a similar period on land; and, if so, would he explain why a petty officer of this rating, after three years' service at Whale Island, was appointed for a subsequent two years in the Naval 1030 Barracks, having seen no sea service for ten years, and another petty officer of almost similar seniority had recently been appointed to an armoured vessel of the Fourth Cruiser Squadron, at the termination of which appointment he would have been continuously at sea over a period of ten years.
§ Mr. McKENNAThere is no such regulation as that described, as it would not be compatible with the requirements of the naval service. Every endeavour is made to give all ratings a fair proportion of home and sea service respectively. No opinion can be given on the specific case quoted, as it cannot be identified without the names and ratings of the men in question.
§ Mr. BURGOYNEMay I ask whether it is the fact that the ratings of the men in question were reduced?
§ Mr. McKENNANot in the least.