§ 79. Mr. BOTTOMLEYasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether three of the largest hotels in Inverness are still requisitioned by his Department, with a staff of 200 employés, whose work consists of looking after three tugs, which are scarcely ever used, and a few trawlers, which also are rarely employed; and 1074 whether he will consider the desirability of releasing these tugs for service on other parts of the coast?
§ Dr. MACNAMARATwo hotels, the "Palace" and the "Alexandra," and Inverness College, remain in Admiralty occupation, and 182 officers and ratings-(including forty-seven members of the Women's Royal Naval Service) are still employed under the Senior Naval Officer, Inverness. During the War, as my hon. Friend will very well understand, the: duties of the Senior Naval Officer, Inverness, were heavy and responsible. Of course, many of these have-lapsed, and the work of reducing the-base has been pushed forward steadily. I do not imagine that my hon. Friend seriously means that this officer-has a staff of 200 ranks and ratings for the mere purpose of looking after three tugs which are scarcely ever used and a few trawlers which are also rarely employed. But if my hon. Friend will put a question down one day next week, I will in the meantime secure a full and detailed report on the work still being performed and the officers and men still; retained at Inverness to perform the same.