HC Deb 10 June 1931 vol 253 cc992-3
19. Sir BERTRAM FALLE

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he is aware that His Majesty's Ship "Revenge," a Portsmouth ship, is to be sent to Devonport for refit after being away for two and a-third years, and that all Portsmouth ratings aboard returning to their homes on first or second leave must pay their own railway fares; and whether some scheme or arrangement for Portsmouth and Devonport ships can be devised to assist ratings in this and similar cases?

Mr. ALEXANDER

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. and gallant Member for South Portsmouth (Sir H. Cayzer) on the 17th March (OFFICIAL REPORT, col. 1876, Vol. 249).

Sir B. FALLE

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that further consideration should be given to this matter in view of the poverty of ratings?

Mr. ALEXANDER

I think that the hon. Member for North Portsmouth (Sir B. Falle) knows that this is a matter which has been raised again and again and that the decision of the Admiralty has been made clear on the matter, and I do not propose to alter it.

Mr. C. WILLIAMS

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the refit will be done much better at Devonport?