§ 66. Mr. BLANEasked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he is aware that there is dissatisfaction amongst the men at 1377 Mudros Naval Depot because no relief is provided; and, in view of the bad condition of the place, can he see his way to issue instructions for short periodical relief to be granted?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAEverything possible is being done to effect the relief of all men eligible for demobilisation at the earliest moment, and also to relieve men belonging to the permanent service who have been away for considerable periods. In view of the large numbers concerned, distributed all over the world, my hon. Friend will recognise that the process of relief must take a long time. Officers and men have been so informed.
§ Mr. BLANEI think that perhaps my right hon. Friend has misapprehended my question: I mean relief on the spot. The conditions are very bad. The men may wish, say, to go out to sea for an hour on Sundays and are refused permission by the senior commanding officer who, I understand has also refused to discuss the matter with them. I will be glad if the right hon. Gentleman will give instructions that this matter should receive consideration.
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI thought that it was a question of relief coming home. The point which my hon. Friend has put apparently refers to local conditions, and it will be submitted to the authorities concerned.