HC Deb 09 July 1924 vol 175 cc2231-2
11. Viscount CURZON

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether at the forthcoming naval review a destroyer or flotilla leader can be detailed to embark those Members of Parliament not so far provided for, got under weigh, and proceed down the lines with other ships already detailed; and whether, in any event, arrangements can be made for Members to go on board some of the ships at anchor, travelling at their own expense?

Mr. AMMON

Owing to their limited accommodation, destroyers or flotilla leaders would hardly meet the purpose; to provide adequate accommodation for all Members of Parliament one or more passenger ships would have to be specially chartered, but the financial limitations imposed do not permit of such chartering. As regards the second part of the question, it has been arranged that certain of the ships at anchor shall be open to visitors at certain hours on the 24th, 25th and 27th July, but it would not be convenient for Members to go on board during the actual day of the review.

Viscount CURZON

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the suggestion in the first part of the question was intended merely as supplementary to arrangements already made? It was not intended that the destroyer should convey all Members of Parliament, but only those not already provided for in the ships already detailed.

17. Major Sir BERTRAM FALLE

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he is aware that there are a number of veterans in Portsmouth; and if he can make some arrangements, such as have been made in past years, to allow their seeing the naval review and following the same in one of His Majesty's ships?

Mr. AMMON

No record can be found of arrangements having been made as suggested at former reviews of the Fleet, and I regret that there will not be any of His Majesty's vessels available on this occasion for the service in question.

Sir B. FALLE

Is the hon. Gentleman not aware that His Majesty's ship "Sea- horse" has previously performed this function, and is it not possible that one of the destroyers or flotilla leaders should take these old veterans, as has been requested?

Mr. AMMON

If the hon. and gallant Gentleman has any information he thinks will help, I shall be glad to have it.