HC Deb 27 October 1920 vol 133 cc1714-5
12. Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that the limitation of naval officers' travelling facilities to return tickets to London and naval ports practically offers no concession to naval officers belonging to the west country ports, seeing that these officers have not to travel to London to go home; whether, in view of the high cost of railway travelling and the limited means of so many naval officers, more especially Royal Naval commissioned and warrant officers, he can see his way to issue an order to the effect that all officers of the Royal Navy may be allowed a first-class return ticket at the ordinary first-class single fare from London or any of the naval ports or bases to any station in the United Kingdom, tickets to be available at the principal station in the vicinity of each base; and will he further consider the possibility of allowing the present privilege of optional uniform when travelling to remain in force in such cases?

Sir J. CRAIG

The Admiralty have the whole question of concession fares for naval officers now under consideration, and pending decision I am unable to give any answer to the question raised as to extension of existing privileges. In regard to the last part of the question, I may add that officers are not required to wear uniform in order to obtain the concession fares at present in force, and there is no intention of altering the present orders under which officers are required to wear uniform or permitted to wear plain clothes on the same occasions as before the War.

Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether the specific point to which I have drawn attention is under consideration?

Sir J. CRAIG

Certainly; that is indicated by the answer.