§ 40. Mr. JAMES MASONasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he proposes to make any alteration in the regulations by which the parent of a midshipman or naval cadet is required not only to provide his kit but also to make him an allowance of £50 a year, and so adopt the principle which has been recognised by the War Office in the corresponding regulations of the sister Service?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAAs I have already stated in reply to previous questions on this subject, in the case of the private allowance payable on behalf of midshipmen, the Board of Admiralty is prepared to give favourable consideration to applications for whole or partial relief where real necessity exists; and, further, in the case of midshipmen killed on active service, any sums deposited in advance in respect of a period subsequent to the date of death are returned to the guardians upon the closing of the private allowance accounts of the officers concerned.
§ Mr. BUTCHERIn order to avoid the invidious distinction on the ground of economy, would it not be much better to abolish this £50 a year altogether?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAWe have given it every consideration, nevertheless I take note of what the hon. and learned Gentleman says.