HC Deb 30 June 1927 vol 208 cc576-7
70. Mr. HORE-BELISHA

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the number of ratings who secured their discharge by purchase and who deserted from the Navy during the year 1906, respectively; and the corresponding number during the year 1926?

Lieut.-Colonel HEADLAM

The figures for the calendar years are not available, those for the financial years are as follow:

1906–07. 1926–27.
Discharged by purchase 1,070 197
Desertions 1,896 258

Sir J. NALL

Do not these figures illustrate the sheer futility of Communist propaganda?

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Does the hon. and gallant Gentleman suggest that Communist propaganda has anything to do with any of these desertions at all at any time?