§ 12. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty from what ships or establishments will the officers and ratings required to put the Admiralty yacht "Enchantress" into temporary commission be drawn; and how is it proposed to make up the lost leave or instruction to these officers and men?
§ Mr. AMMONThe officers will be taken from those awaiting appointment 410 and the ratings from supernumeraries awaiting draft in depots or from the complements of harbour establishments, which will be temporarily reduced on account of the Reserve Fleet exercises. Any man who may be kept from leave or taken from instruction during the 10 days' commission will return to his depot or establishment afterwards and have whatever leave is due or resume the instruction he was receiving.
§ Viscount CURZONCan the hon. Gentleman say from what depot the band will be drawn?
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYAre we to understand that these officers and men will be on board for only ten days altogether? Will they not have to clean the ship, and so on, afterwards?
§ Mr. AMMONThey will be on just as long as is necessary for them to do the necessary work, but it will not have any effect on the others. They will be drawn from supernumeraries and those who are awaiting draft.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYDoes the hon. Gentleman think the Admiralty is justified in putting this ship in commission for ten days at this great expense?
§ Mr. AMMONAs I have already explained when the hon. and gallant Member was not present, there are other means of inspecting the Fleet which could be undertaken, but which would be much more costly than £1,100 for the ten days.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODIs there to be a ballot for those who are to get on the "Enchantress"?