§ 39. Mr. FALLEasked whether any of the engine-room artificers now serving on submarines at Hong Kong have been on that station since 1912; and, if so, why have such men not been relieved, and if they can be relieved this year; and, if not, if their continuance at their present work for a further period, that is till the next relief, will mean money compensation for them or if the extra period served on this station will count specially towards promotion?
§ Dr. MACNAMARATwo engine-room artificers in these submarines have been on the station since June, 1912. I regret that in my answer to the hon. Gentleman of 1st July I overlooked that fact. When the crews were last relieved in April, 1913, these men were absent from home less than a year, and would be retained until the crews are again relieved in March, 1915, in accordance with the drafting regulations. In the case of this particular service, however, arrangements will be made to relieve men at the earliest suitable opportunity after completing two years' service. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.
§ Mr. FALLEMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman to bring the matter before the Board of Admiralty, so that the men should not be asked to spend more than two years on an apparently unhealthy station?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAIn the case of these particular men they will have very little more than two years on that station.