§ 41. Sir B. FALLEasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that the furniture of naval ratings who exercise their option to have it removed at Government expense on being discharged to pension, is conveyed by van from the house and unpacked and stored in a railway goods van for conveyance to destination, with the result that considerable damage is caused; and whether he will consider the use of light vans or motor transport 18 for future removals, observing that the additional charge, if any, would he small and be willingly paid by the rating?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANRatings already have the option of removing their furniture by private contractors, and in such cases are allowed the cost of conveyance of the furniture by rail under Admiralty arrangements. This is clearly set out on the form which is issued to each long-service rating on being invalided or discharged to pension. I may acid that more than 400 removals by rail have been effected since 1st January, 1925, and in 12 cases only have claims for damage been made by the ratings. The total amount paid in respect of such damage was £48.