§ 68. Mr. FLAVINasked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether His Majesty's ship "Suffolk," which is attached to the West Atlantic Squadron, is the only ship in that squadron which has not come home since the beginning of the War; and, if so, will he say why the men of His Majesty's ship "Suffolk" should be denied the privilege extended to all others of coming home?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI have already informed my hon. Friend that we are, of course, fully alive to the importance of affording opportunities for leave whenever possible, subject to the exigencies of the Service.
§ Mr. FLAVINCan the right hon. Gentleman say why this is the only ship of the West Atlantic Squadron which has not been allowed home, and is he aware that there is a good deal of dissatisfaction among the men on that account, and that this exception calls for some explanation?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAIt is due to the exigencies of the Service, and my hon. Friend will agree I think that obviously they have to be met.
§ Mr. FLAVINI quite agree, but how does the right hon. Gentleman explain that the men of one ship out of the whole Fleet have not been able to get home to their friends since the War began? There is some explanation or reason, surely?