26. Captain CROOKSHANKasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty why a grant in aid of the expenses of cricket at the Royal Naval College at Greenwich is made to the extent of £60; whether he is aware that there are ample unofficial sports funds in the Navy which might be drawn upon for this purpose; whether cricket is encouraged at the expense of the taxpayer in either the Army or the Royal Air Force; and whether, in view of the present financial stringency, he will recommend the abolition of this particular grant?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANThe grant referred to by my hon. and gallant Friend is made for the purpose of renting a cricket pitch for the use of officers at the college. It is the policy of the Admiralty, in the interest of the health and efficiency of the Naval personnel, to provide facilities for outdoor recreation, either by allowing the use of Admiralty land for the purpose or, where Admiralty land is not available, by renting the necessary accommodation. The position at Greenwich is not peculiar in this respect nor, as far as I am aware, does the policy of the War Office and Air Ministry differ from that of the Admiralty. All expenses connected with games, apart from the provision and maintenance of the grounds, fall on the officers and men themselves.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the cricket and football grounds at Greenwich, for which the Admiralty pays, are of the greatest use to the officers, who otherwise would be engaged in much less healthy recreation in London?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI am obliged to the hon. and gallant Member for amplifying the answer which I have given.