§ 24. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he has considered the desirability of only sending volunteers to take part in naval operations against the Russian 642 Soviet Government; and whether he is aware that certain naval ratings are dissatisfied with the different treatment meted out to His Majesty's Army as compared with the Royal Navy in this respect?
§ Mr. LONGThe Navy is manned by volunteers for service throughout the world, and therefore all officers and men are required to proceed wherever the Government may direct. It may be that this fact has created a sense of grievance in a few cases; but I am quite sure that the vast majority of officers and men of the Navy fully appreciate their duty in this respect.
§ Colonel ASHLEYWhile fully agreeing with the answer of the right hon. Gentleman, might I press him to see that men, when they get back from the Baltic, are given proper leave?
§ Mr. LONGMy hon. and gallant Friend asks a totally different question. I think I can say without reserve that the men who have been returned from the Baltic have been given leave—
§ Colonel ASHLEYNo, no, no‡
§ Mr. LONGI beg my hon. and gallant Friend's pardon. I think he includes two different things. They have had their proper leave. But there are demands for special leave. These demands are now being considered, and the Admiralty have every desire to try and meet them.