§ 24 and 25. Mr. Ralph Beaumontasked the First Lord of the Admiralty (1) whether, in selecting artificer apprentices to be transferred from Chatham to His Majesty's Ship "Caledonia," at Rosyth, volunteers were asked for or whether they were selected; and, if so, on what basis the selection was made;
(2) whether he is aware that a number of artificer apprentices at present stationed at Chatham have been selected to be transferred to His Majesty's Ship "Caledonia," at Rosyth; that these boys entered the Navy under the impression that they would be trained at Chatham; and that, as the homes of many of them are in Porthsmouth and other places in the South of England, their expenses when coming home on leave will be very greatly increased; and if he will consider either retaining them at Chatham or else allowing them the increased travelling expenses that will otherwise have to be borne by them?
Mr. CooperI am aware that about 60 artificer apprentices who entered the Navy last August under the impression that they would be trained in the mechanical training establishment at Chatham are among those who have been selected for transfer to the new mechanical training establishment at Rosyth. They consist, so far as possible, of volunteers, the remainder being chosen mainly from apprentices who live nearer Rosyth, or at any rate a long way from Chatham, and from those apprentices who entered with the special privilege of a service nomination. No apprentices living in or near Chatham have been selected. Some of the apprentices concerned have their homes in the South of England. Their selection is due to Service exigencies which, as my hon. Friend will appreciate, must, when necessary, override other considerations. The Admiralty will consider whether any assistance can be given towards the travelling expenses of the transferred boys whose homes are distant from Rosyth.
§ Mr. George GriffithsWhat is the difference between these transfers and the transfer of children from Special Areas?
§ Mr. WatsonIs it still the intention of the Admiralty to recruit boys for this ship mainly from Scotland and the North of England?
Mr. CooperThe hon. Member asks me whether it is the intention to recruit boys for Rosyth as far as possible from the North. The answer is, Yes.
§ Mr. MathersCan the right hon. Gentleman say even approximately from what particular areas the boys at present on the "Caledonia" have been recruited?