§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE(by Private Notice) asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that the recent order entailing further discharges 36 of naval ratings with a month's notice is causing widespread consternation at the naval ports; whether so short a notice does not conflict with the accepted traditions of naval service; and, in view of the extreme difficulty at the present time of finding work on shore, will he consider the possibility if not of giving longer notice, at any rate, of granting a higher bonus than£20 especially in view of the fact that should the same ratings desire to secure their discharge from the Royal Navy, they will be called upon to pay a very much higher sum to the State; whether he can give an assurance that no further discharges will take place; and can he say, seeing that the first order regarding reductions was issued as far back as 12th May, 1922, why the recent order of compulsory discharges was not issued in time to admit of selection being made from amongst men serving in the Atlantic Fleet which left home waters on 18th January, 1923.
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Commander Eyres-Monsell)I need hardly say that the Admiralty profoundly regret the necessity of ordering the compulsory discharge of several hundred ratings. This measure became necessary by reason of the very large reductions in personnel which have had to be made during the present financial year. I regret that it is impossible to modify the terms of compensation in the direction suggested by my hon. Friend. It is not anticipated that any more compulsory discharges will be necessary. With regard to the last part of the question, the reasons for not issuing earlier the order for compulsory discharge were, first, the wish of the Admiralty to effect the maximum number of discharges on a voluntary basis, and second, owing to the wide distribution of men over the whole world, the great practical difficulty of ascertaining definitely at an earlier stage the precise number of volunteers of the different branches and grades who would be ready for discharge within the current financial year.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEIs the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that thousands of pounds, in addition to retired pay, have been paid to officers of similar age and length of service and that it was held out to these men, in the official pamphlet asking them to join 37 the Navy, that their prospects were good and they were secure of employment and ultimate pension? Will he give me the answer to that?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe question is too argumentative.