10. Mr. CATHCART WASONasked the Secretary to the Admiralty if his attention had been called to the fact that a young man of he Royal Naval Reserve, through no fault of his own, was unable to get back to Portsmouth before his leave expired, and that, notwithstanding the fact that he had a note from the senior naval officer at Lerwick and from the captain of the mailship that the delay was unavoidable, after the journey of near 800 miles, he was 1310 put into a cell without fire or blankets and with little food, and kept there for nearly thirty hours; and if, in view of the fact that the commanding officer at Portsmouth found no fault, he will make inquiry as to the person responsible for this action and see that suitable punishment is awarded him?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAIt has been ascertained that the boy in question arrived at the Royal Naval Barracks at two a.m. In order not to disturb others, as are the orders for men arriving after midnight, he was allowed to sleep in the police office. Immediately after the ordinary service breakfast his case was investigated by the officer of the day and subsequently by the Commander and dismissed. The loom he slept in was properly warmed.