§ 71. Lieut.-Commander Fletcherasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what is the complement of His Majesty's Ship "Endeavour"; and how many of the complement have been punished by warrant for major offences since the ship commissioned?
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty (Mr. Shakespeare)The total complement of His Majesty's Ship "Endeavour" is 134. The total number of men punished by warrant for all offences up to the latest available date was 32.
§ Lieut.-Commander FletcherIs it not the case that officers are allowed to volunteer for this arduous and irksome duty of surveying, whereas ratings are drafted to the service without their opinions being consulted in any way? Does not the hon. Gentleman consider that it would be as well to allow the ratings the same provilege of volunteering? Does he not think it advisable to pay this ship off at once and put an end to a state of affairs which is bringing discredit on the Navy?
§ Mr. ShakespeareI am not aware that the hon. and gallant Member's first assumption is true, but I will make inquiries. There is a question later on the second point.
§ Mr. T. SmithIs it not a fact that one-fifth of this ship's company have been punished in some form or another?
§ Commander MarsdenHow many of this ship's company were good conduct men when the ship was commissioned?
§ Mr. ShakespeareI cannot say without notice, but the circumstances are such as to justify the most urgent inquiry.
§ Lieut.-Commander FletcherAs the question to which the hon. Gentleman has referred may not be reached, may I ask him to give an answer to my second question—whether he will consider paying this ship off?