HC Deb 08 April 1925 vol 182 c2201
26. Mr. ROBERT YOUNG

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that the structural alterations now being carried out in His Majesty's destroyers are making the chief and engine-room artificers' messes uninhabitable; whether he will consider the advisability of providing, as soon as possible, other suitable messes for the men concerned in these destroyers; and whether, until such proper accommodation is provided, payment of hard-lying allowances will be made in compensation for the discomforts incurred while the work is being carried out?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Mr. Davidson)

I am afraid that a certain amount of temporary discomfort is inevitable in all classes of ships when structural alterations are being carried out, but I can assure the hon. Member that everything possible is done to ease the position as far as possible.

Mr. YOUNG

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there is a spare cabin, or perhaps more than one?

Mr. DAVIDSON

I will certainly look into that.

Major HORE-BELISHA

Will the hon. Gentleman answer that part of the question which concerns hard-lying allowances?

Mr. DAVIDSON

I am afraid that would be impossible.