§ 24. Sir B. FALLEasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he will consider the conditions under which naval ratings under the rating of chief petty officers taking passage in a merchant vessel are embarked: and whether he will order that they are to be carried as third-class passengers and not messed and accommodated in the holds of merchant vessels?
Mr. DAVIDSONAs the reply is somewhat long, I will, with my hon. and gallant Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Sir B. FALLECan the hon. Gentleman give any reason why men are put in the hold instead of being treated as third-class passengers?
§ The reply is as follows:
§ The general arrangements for the conveyance of naval ratings in merchant ships are made by the Board of Trade. On routes such as the Atlantic route served by merchant ships which have third-class cabin accommodation it is the usual practice to make use of such accommodation for the conveyance of naval ratings. On routes where third-class accommodation does not exist, or when the numbers to be conveyed justify the use of a transport, accommodation for naval ratings is fitted in the 'tween decks (not in the holds), in accordance with His Majesty's Transport Regulations approved by the Admiralty. Each rating is provided with a hammock billet and a seat at table and adequate washing and sanitary accommodation is provided. The preparation of the ships is supervised by Government inspectors to ensure that the fittings are in accordance with the Regulations, and a representative of the Admiralty is present at the final inspection held to determine that all arrangements are satisfactory. The provision of hammock accommodation for naval ratings on passage is similar to that provided in His Majesty's Ships find to which the men are accustomed.