HC Deb 27 October 1943 vol 393 cc173-4
33. Mr. Kenneth Lindsay

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the respective functions and duties of the Admiralty and the Navy League in regard to the activities of the Sea Cadet Corps; and the existing machinery of co-operation?

Mr. Alexander

The Admiralty is responsible for the organisation and the training of the Sea Cadet Corps. The Navy League administers the Corps on behalf of the Admiralty and looks after the social and welfare side. Co-operation is secured through an Executive Council, consisting of two members each from the Admiralty and the Navy League, which meets regularly under the chairmanship of the Admiralty Director responsible.

Mr. Lindsay

Would the right hon. Gentleman look into this arrangement? Thousands of boys want to join, the preparations at the Scottish camp this year were quite inadequate, and, in spite of the shortage of officers, I think much more might be done. Will the right hon. Gentleman ask one of his three Parliamentary Secretaries to look into the matter?

Mr. Alexander

If the hon. Gentleman will send me any particular case, like the one he has mentioned, I shall be glad to look into it, but I must say in fairness to the Corps that the progress and increased efficiency in the last two years have been remarkable.