HC Deb 09 April 1919 vol 114 c2011
22. Major Sir BERTRAM FALLE

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty if he will consider the possibility of establishing those dockyard men who volunteered for Zanzibar, the Mediterranean, or other foreign stations, during the period covered by the War, as was done in the case of dockyard men volunteering for Rosyth?

Dr. MACNAMARA

In the case of the men who volunteered for permanent transfer to Rosyth, eventual establishment was laid down as one of the conditions under which men were invited to volunteer. In the case of men volunteering for service at Zanzibar, the Mediterranean and other foreign stations there was no permanent transfer and establishment was not one of the conditions offered to men volunteering. I am afraid we cannot undertake to meet my hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion.

Sir B. FALLE

Will the right hon. Gentleman not even consider the matter?

Dr. MACNAMARA

The point is that we did begin to provide men to go to Rosyth on the firm understanding that they got establishment. Now my hon. Friend asks us to extend that to these cases, and I am afraid we cannot do it.

Sir B. FALLE

May I point out that the men who go to Rosyth go for one year, whereas those who went to Zanzibar went for four years?

Dr. MACNAMARA

The men invited to go to Rosyth were given an assurance of establishment after a certain period when they are permanent.