§ 12. Sir B. FALLEasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if it is proposed to abolish the separate messing accommodation in the Portsmouth depot authorised for naval shipwrights by Replies to Requests Nos. 12 and 23 of the 1922 Welfare Class Request; and if he will inquire into the matter?
§ Mr. AMMONIn view of the fact that extensive alterations have been made in the chief petty officers' block and an up-to-date bar and lounge fitted, it has been proposed that chief petty officers of all branches except engine room artificers, and possibly the regulating branch, should mess together. This will improve the accommodation at present provided for shipwrights. Another advantage will be that if the shipwrights vacate their present accommodation in the seamen's block it can be used to provide recreation and reading rooms for the junior ratings which are considered most desirable.
§ Sir B. FALLEWill this mean a reversal of the Admiralty decision, taken in consequence of the Welfare Committee's request?
§ Mr. AMMONNo, that is not quite the position. The reply to which the hon. Gentleman refers merely stated that separate messes for shipwrights have already been provided at home ports except the Chatham Depot, where the shipwright ratings expressed a preference for the existing arrangements.