§ 34. Sir ROBERT HAMILTONasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty at what date the Regulation was introduced preventing the enrolment in the Royal Naval Reserve of men residing at a distance of more than 12 miles from the office of the local registrar at Lerwick; how many men it is estimated will be thereby prevented from enrolling in the Shetland Isles; and what would be the travelling and subsistence expenses of a man coming from 24 miles distance compared with that of a man coming from 12 miles?.
Mr. DAVIDSONThe answer to the first part of the question is 3rd December, 1923. As regards the second part, the fixing of a 12-mile radius actually extended the area of recruitment. The travelling and subsistence expenses referred to in the last part of the question are: (1) for men living on the Island of Mainland, 12 miles from Lerwick, single journey, 2s. 6d.; (2) for men living on the Island of Mainland or other islands, 24 miles distant from Lerwick, 6s. to 28s. single journey.
§ Sir R. HAMILTONDoes not the hon. and gallant Gentleman think it would be desirable to get these fine seamen into the Royal Naval Reserve by saving somewhat on the staff?