§ 31. Mr. Robert Gibsonasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that there is dissatisfaction among men of the Navy of 50 years and upward, who offered their services at the outbreak of the war, in that they are being sent on foreign service while younger men are on shore and port duties; and whether he will take steps to transfer such older men who desire shore jobs to work ashore, or, alternatively, in home waters?
§ The First Lord of the Admiralty (Mr. A. V. Alexander)I would refer my hon. and learned Friend to the reply given to his question of 20th November. I am not aware of any complaint that unfair demands are made upon the older men in the Navy as compared with the younger. It is, however, only natural that some men over 50 would prefer to serve on shore, and it is fully understood in the Navy that every endeavour is made to relieve men over 48 from sea appointments as and when trained younger men become available.
§ Mr. GibsonHas that regulation been brought to the attention of men over 40?
§ Mr. AlexanderThe publicity given both to-day and on 20th November by my hon. and learned Friend's Questions will assist in that direction.