§ 2. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the First Lord of the Admiralty what was the numerical strength of the Women's Royal Naval Service, officers and other ranks, respectively, on the 1st November, 1918; and what was its numerical strength on 1st June, 1919?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Dr. Macnamara)The strength of the force on the dates in question was as follows:
The reduction in number is accounted for partly by the transfer of fifty-one officers and 1,939 ratings to the Women's Royal Air Force. The remainder represents officers and ratings demobilised. It has been decided that the Women's Royal Naval Service is to be finally demobilised as from 1st October next.
Officers. Ratings. 1st November, 1918 450 5,578 1st June, 1919 311 2,549
§ Lieut. Commander KENWORTHYCan the right hon. Gentleman explain the difference in the rate of demobilisation of officers and ratings?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAFirst of all, I had not noticed that there was any difference, but if there is I cannot explain it.