§ 7. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether a body called the Imperial Service League has the official sanction and approval of the Lords Commissioners; whether any public money from the Navy Votes will be paid, or has been paid, to this body; whether any Grant has been made to this body from the Grand Fleet Fund or from canteen profits; and, if so, whether the men of the Royal Navy have been fully consulted as to such payments of the Grand Fleet Fund or canteen money?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe scheme for the formation of the Imperial Service League Originated with the Army, but the Admi- 1563 ralty, at the request of the War Office, arranged for representatives of the naval forces to join in the consideration and preparation of the detailed scheme, and for information with regard to it to be put before the Fleet with the object of obtaining the views of the men as to whether they desire it to be supported financially or otherwise. As a result of the reports received from the Fleet, General Sir Ian Hamilton was informed on the 4th February that the Admiralty gladly avail themselves of the offer to the Royal Navy to join in the League, but that the question of financial support must be reserved, as there is at present no fund at the disposal of the Board which could be diverted towards the expenses of the League. It was added that, should funds become available in the future, the Admiralty will gladly contribute to the League.
No public money from Navy Votes has been paid to this body, and there is no intention of paying any, nor has any grant been made to it from the Grand Fleet Fund or from canteen profits. The disposal of money from the Grand Fleet Fund is a matter for the committee and members of that fund, and not for the Admiralty, but, as regards canteen profits, it is the policy of the Admiralty to consult the men of the Fleet to the fullest extent possible before deciding how such profits shall be disposed of, if and when they arise, and it was for this reason that the proviso in the letter to Sir Ian Hamilton was inserted.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEHas there been any official information given with regard to this Imperial Service League?
§ Dr. MACNAMARATo the Members of this House?
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEYes.
§ Dr. MACNAMARANot to my knowledge.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEWill the right hon. Gentleman endeavour to see that information is furnished as soon as possible?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI think my hon. Friend should address his question to the Secretary of State for War, because, as I have said, it originated with the War Office.