HC Deb 20 February 1924 vol 169 cc1729-30
27. Mr. GILBERT

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether recruiting for boys for the Navy is still in force; whether any inducements axe offered to boys leaving elementary schools in London and Greater London; and can he state what steps his Department takes in order to recruit boys for the Navy?

Mr. AMMON

Recruiting for boys for the Navy is still in force. No special steps are taken to enter London boys at the expense of boys in other parts of the country, and local educational authorities are not applied to in order to send in suitable candidates, except for special appointments such as artificer apprentices.

Mr. B. SMITH

Will the hon. Gentleman, as an inducement to boys to enter the Navy, abolish the degrading punishment, called corporal punishment—birching and caning?