§ 18. Viscount CURZONasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether coastguard captains and officers and men serving under their orders are granted 42 days' leave per annum; whether divisional officers are limited to 30 days' leave per annum; if so, what is the reason for this difference; and is it proposed to continue it?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Colonel Sir James Craig)Under the organisation recently introduced for Home commands, officers commanding areas and captains on the staffs of Commanders-in-Chief for Coastguard duties, and the officers and men borne for duty with them, are no longer solely in the position of officers and men of the Coastguard. They are, therefore, eligible for leave under the ordinary Naval Regulations for officers and men serving on Home stations, which permit of leave up to 42 days a year being granted. Divisional officers remain as before solely officers of the Coastguard and continue therefore under the special leave Regulations laid down for the Coastguard, which permit of leave up to 30 days a year being granted. No change is proposed in the scale of leave laid down for the Coastguard. I may observe that the distinction between the leave granted to that Force and that granted to the Naval Service generally on Home stations is one of very long standing and is accounted for by the different conditions of service.
§ Viscount CURZONWill the hon. Baronet not consider in future putting all officers in the Coastguard on the same footing as far as leave is concerned?
§ Sir J. CRAIGNo, I am afraid not. The conditions of the service prevent it.