HC Deb 21 April 1913 vol 52 cc34-5 P
68. Sir CLEMENT KINLOCH-COOKE

asked if he will state the period it takes to make an efficient seaman in the Royal Navy?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I mentioned four years as a general statement; a seaman of this service would ordinarily have been an able seaman for some months or longer. P It must not be assumed that a man of less service though not fully trained would be inefficient for the duties required of him.

Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

Are we to understand that the statement is that three years are required?

Mr. CHURCHILL

No, not at all. Four years was the statement, qualified as I have now qualified it.