HC Deb 23 July 1935 vol 304 c1647
22. Mr. MANDER

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he has any statement to make with reference to the breakdown of the catering arrangements on His Majesty's Hospital Ship "Maine," on the occasion of the Royal Naval Review?

The FIRST LORD of the ADMIRALTY (Sir Bolton Eyres Monsell)

I took the first opportunity of making what reparation lay in my power by writing to each of our guests, and I feel sure that the House would prefer to hear no more of the matter.

Captain GUNSTON

Is my right hon. Friend aware that very many guests on the "Maine" very much regret the publicity given to this matter and the action of the hon. Member for East Wolverhampton (Mr. Mander) in putting this question on the Order Paper?

Mr. HANNON

Would it not have been better, after the apology which my right hon. Friend so graciously issued to every guest on the "Maine," if this question had been at once removed from the Order Paper, and is it not the worst example of bad taste in modern times in the House of Commons?

Mr. MANDER

Is it not a fact that the Admiralty is just as much subject to Parliamentary criticism as any other Department?