§ 84. Lord CHARLES BERESFORDasked whether the number of men recruited for the Navy to the end of the financial year 1912 was short of those voted, and, if so, whether he will state to the House the number short, giving stokers, seamen, and marines, respectively; and whether he will state the total number of men recruited for the Navy for 1911–12 up to the end of the financial year 1912?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe number of men and boys borne on 31st March last was 240 short of Vote A, the shortage being mostly in stokers. Seamen and stokers are not distinguished in the Vote. Twelve thousand nine hundred and forty-six men and boys were recruited in the financial year ending 31st March, 1911, and 12,588 in the year ending 31st March, 1912. The figures must be taken as approximate pending verification from particulars contained in returns from the Fleet.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the reason the stokers will not join is the miserably poor payment they receive.
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThat is a question which I think the hon. Member must put down upon the paper.