§ 39. Mr. FALLEasked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he is aware that a number of very young boys are carried on His Majesty's ships; and if, in view of the loss of life which has already taken place in the Navy, he will arrange that very young boys shall be employed ashore?
§ Dr. MACNAMARANaval ratings designated as "Boys" are not less than 16 years old when drafted to ships on com- 196 pletion their harbour training, and the majority of them are well over that age.
§ Mr. JOHN WARDI should like to know whether the Admiralty has received any complaint as to the employment of these young men, and if there have been any orders excluding them from active service. I hope he will make an exception in the case of my son who wants to get in touch with the enemy at the first opportunity?