§ 34. Mr. Garro Jonesasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, having regard to the long periods of time spent at sea by various naval ranks and grades, he is satisfied that proper arrangements exist for interchange with depot and other shore personnel in suitable cases?
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty (Sir Victor Warrender)Yes, Sir. There is an adequate organisation for ensuring that all ratings are given a fair share of sea and shore service, so far as the needs of the Service permit. It will be realised that many men are, by age or disability, employable on shore service only.
§ Mr. Garro JonesWill the hon. Baronet keep in mind that some hon. Members representing maritime constituencies have received complaints that this organisation is not working effectively, and will he do what he can to ensure that there is more effective organisation?
§ Sir V. WarrenderYes, Sir. I shall be glad to look into the matter.
§ Mr. R. GibsonIs the Minister investigating the complaints which I sent to his Department, referring particularly to the position of old men who joined up at the beginning of the war?
§ Sir V. WarrenderYes, Sir, although that is rather a different question.