§ Lord CHARLES BERESFORDasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of the increased cost of living, he can see his way to grant the petty officers, men, and boys of the Royal Navy an annual clothing allowance or annual free issue of kit, as is now the case of the Royal Marine Forces and His Majesty's Army?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Dr. Macnamara)I am afraid I cannot profitably add anything to the detailed communication made to the Noble Lord on this subject on 18th March last.
§ Lord C. BERESFORDIs there any chance of this important matter being taken in hand by the Admiralty?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI cannot say there is. The Noble Lord is aware, of course, that we have not completed a comparison between the soldier and sailor if you confine yourself to kit? There is the question of pay, and there is the question of the greater proportion of higher ratings as compared with the non-commissioned ranks in the Army. All these things have to be taken into account if you are going to make a complete comparison between the soldier and sailor.