§ 65. Mr. HORE-BELISHAasked the First Lord of the Admiralty, with reference to the annual coast tour of the Atlantic Fleet, whether he is aware of the grievance felt among the people of Plymouth that, while the ships are open to visitors to the seaside .at various places, those most intimately associated with the ships, both in materiel and personnel, rarely, if ever, have an opportunity of going aboard them, since, when in port, the ships are usually undergoing repairs and the reception of visitors on board in large numbers would, in con- 625 sequence, be inconvenient; and whether he will give his consideration to a suggestion for as many of the ships as conveniently can be accommodated to assemble in Plymouth Sound two days before they would return to their borne ports according to their usual programme, and for one or more of several types to be open to receive visitors for a few hours each day?
The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Mr. Davidson)Devonport-manned ships of the Atlantic Fleet are usually at Devonport giving leave for approximately three months in the year, during one month of which period they are usually refitting. For the remaining two months the vessels are in a suitable condition to receive visitors, and it is open to any bona fide British subject to seek permission from the commanding officer to visit any one of the ships. Such permission would not ordinarily be withheld.