§ 3. Major HUNTasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the parents of 813 midshipmen have been required during the War to find £50 a year as a private allowance for each midshipman; and, if BO, as midshipmen are doing the work of officers in the turrets, the fire-control stations, and on the bridge, and giving their lives for their country, he will take steps to have this regulation rescinded during the War?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe pay of a midshipman is 1s. 9d. a day, and this, together with the sum deposited by parents or guardians as private allowance, gives him a weekly income of 31s. 6d. The compulsory charge for messing is 7s. a week. During the War the tuition charge of 3d. a day has been waived and there is no other compulsory payment. The payment of private allowance still holds good, but as I have stated on several occasions, where, necessity exists, the Board of Admiralty is prepared to give favourable consideration to applications for whole or partial release. I am afraid I cannot give the general undertaking asked for in the second part of the question.
§ Major HUNTAre we to understand from the right hon. Gentleman that these boys are not only expected by the Government to give their lives for their country, but to pay for the privilege of doing so?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAWell, I should not put it quite in that way, but, as I have stated, in any case we are most ready to give any consideration to the question of waiving the parent's charge. We have not refused one of the many applications we have had.
§ Major HUNTDoes the right hon. Gentleman really think it is right that these parents should have to pay for these boys doing—
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member is now raising a controversial subject which has been frequently debated.