§ 14. Sir B. FALLEasked the First Lord of the Admiralty how long the unauthorised practice, mentioned in paragraph 6 of A.F.O. 1577 of 1930, of deprivation of very good time towards award or restoration of good-conduct badges in cases of conviction by civil power has been going on; how many naval ratings were awarded this punishment; and whether steps will be taken to see that the proper date of award or restoration of good-conduct badges is given to men so punished?
Mr. ALEXANDERInformation on the first two parts of the question is not available. The unauthorised forfeiture of time referred to in the Admiralty 1263 Fleet Order quoted does not, as suggested by the question, tend to increase the penalties, but rather the reverse. But if any case is brought to the notice of the Admiralty in which the man was worse off by reason of any unauthorised forfeiture of time it will be duly considered.
§ Sir B. FALLEThe right hon. Gentleman will have a number of them.