HC Deb 18 December 1929 vol 233 cc1379-80
16. Lieut.-Colonel GAULT

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will consider the question of providing adequate travelling allowances for naval personnel proceeding on leave, and also for their families, when, as the result of the exigencies of the service, they are compelled to transfer their homes from one port to another?

Mr. AMMON

I regret that it is not possible to make a contribution from public funds towards the travelling expenses of naval personnel proceeding on leave. All men of the Royal Navy participate in a concession granted by the railway companies whereby return tickets are issued for journeys on leave at the cost of a single fare and a third. Naval ratings are not compelled to transfer their homes from one port to another to meet the exigencies of the service and I am unable to entertain the suggestion that travelling expenses in such cases should be a public charge.