§ Motion made, and Question proposed, "That an additional number, not exceeding 32,000 officers, seamen, and boys, be employed for the year ending on the 31st day of March, 1915, beyond the number already voted for the year."
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of ADMIRALTY (Dr. Macnamara)I ought shortly to explain why this Supplementary Estimate is necessary. In the first Estimates for the year 1914–15 we took power to work up to a maximum of 151,000 active service ratings in Vote A. On mobilisation we turned over all the Reserves to Vote A.—Royal Fleet Reserves, Royal Naval Reserves, and Royal Naval Volunteer Reserves. On the 5th August we came for a Supplementary Estimate of 67,000 men, very largely due to the fact that on mobilisation we turned the Reserves over to Vote A. Recruitment has still gone on, and will go on to the 31st March. I am speaking now of the present financial year. It will no doubt go on after that. In order that we may not have more men on Vote A. than Parliament has granted, we now ask to include 32,000 more, making the total for the year 250,000. I should explain that we do not need a Supplementary Vote for the pay, as we took £8,800,000 in the 1914–15 Estimates, and any excess beyond that we shall be able to finance out of the Vote of Credit.
§ Question put, and agreed to.
§ Resolution to be reported upon Monday next (22nd February); Committee to sit again upon Monday next.