§ 9. Major Sir BERTRAM FALLEasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether, in view of the fact that a precedent has been established by granting leave to a chief petty officer 146 writer, when not required for duty, to understudy a collector of taxes, such work being regarded in the light of vocational training, he will extend such privilege to all naval ratings within three months of completing their time for pension who are desirous of undergoing vocational training; and whether he will authorise the payment of leave allowance or allowance in. lieu of provisions as is paid to the rating above mentioned?
The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Mr. Davidson)With regard to the first part of the question, the numbers borne on Vote A, which are based solely on manning requirements, would not admit of the general extension of this concession. As regards the second part, the Regulations already provide for men receiving provision or leave allowance when they cannot be victualled.
§ Sir B. FALLECan the right hon. Gentleman tell me why a privilege was given to the petty officers which is not extended to the ratings?