HC Deb 06 April 1932 vol 264 cc136-7
4. Mr. McENTEE

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will include Southend-on-Sea among the towns to be visited by units of the Home Fleet this summer; whether any charge is made for visiting the ships at the various seaside resorts; and, if so, whether the receipts are devoted to naval charities?

The CIVIL LORD of the ADMIRALTY (Captain Euan Wallace)

The programme of visits by His Majesty's Ships of the Home Fleet during the forthcoming summer cruise does not include a visit to Southend-on-Sea. Such programmes are arranged with due regard to the invitations received from the local authorities concerned before the 1st January in each year. No invitation from Southend-on-Sea for a visit during the forthcoming summer has been received. No charge is made for visiting His Majesty's Ships at any of the seaside resorts.

Mr. McENTEE

If such an invitation is received before next January, will the Admiralty be able to accept it?

Captain WALLACE

It will certainly be considered, but these visits are very popular, and we have a great many applications.

Mr. MACQUISTEN

Will my hon. and gallant Friend take care that the town of Campbeltown, in Kintyre, will not be omitted this year, as it is a seafaring town, where there are a great many fishermen, who are very interested in the Fleet, and it would do a great deal to help recruiting for the Navy?

Captain WALLACE

Perhaps my hon. and learned Friend will put that question down.

Sir JOSEPH NALL

Is it not a fact that people living at Southend-on-Sea can take the ferry boat to Sheerness at any time and see all the ships that they want to see?

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