§ 13. Mr. ROBERT YOUNGasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty 1150 if he is aware that the usual mess accommodation provided on His Majesty's Ship "Concord" is for 16 engine-room artificers; that in November last 26 engine-room artificers were sent away in this vessel from Plymouth; that in addition there were other ratings on board in excess of the number for which accommodation is provided; that, resulting therefrom, those in the last relay served at meal times got little to cat, and that bath and sleeping accommodation was far from satisfactory; and whether he will ensure that in the future better arrangements will be made for extra crews being taken out to His Majesty's ships, and thus prevent overcrowding taking place?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANThe complement for which accommodation is provided includes 17 engine-room artificer ratings. The ship left for China last month (not last November), carrying 26 engine-room artificer ratings. The total number of ratings carried on this occasion was less than the full complement and therefore no congestion of sleeping accommodation could arise; some congestion of bathing accommodation is possible but, in a trip of this nature must be expected. I am unable to understand the suggestion that food shortage was experienced by any on board, but clearly no such result could have followed from the numbers carried. When His Majesty's ships are employed on trooping trips, it is not possible to ensure that the numbers of each separate rating carried do not exceed those provided in complement, but there is no overcrowding.