HC Deb 15 July 1914 vol 64 cc1893-4
16. Mr. FALLE

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he can give any information as to the leave which will be granted to Portsmouth men of the Fleet which is assembling at Portsmouth; and what per- centage of men will be allowed to visit their homes, and for what period?

22. Mr. CHARLES DUNCAN

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in connection with the forthcoming inspection of the Fleet at Spithead, he will provide facilities for all the men whose homes are in Portsmouth having leave; and whether he will take steps to have sufficient craft provided for the purpose?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I must refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on the same subject on the 23rd June last year. These leave facilities are a matter of local arrangement, and I have no doubt that they will be given as freely as circumstances permit; but I would remark that on this occasion the Fleet will only be assembled for a day or two before it leaves for exercises.

Mr. FALLE

Is a preference to be given to the Portsmouth men in their own homes?

Mr. CHURCHILL

That is so—to the Portsmouth ships in the First and Second Fleets, but not to the ships in the Third Fleet, which are only called out for a short period in the manœuvres.