HC Deb 26 April 1944 vol 399 cc761-2
33. Mr. Lipson

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if, in view of the fact that some units of the Sea Cadet Corps are unable, owing to the limitation of their numbers, to accept all who wish to join, he will take steps to increase the establishment.

Mr. Alexander

If the hon. Member will send me details of the units he has in mind, and the extent of the unsatisfied demand, I will consider whether there is any possibility of increasing their strength.

Mr. Lipson

While thanking the right hon. Gentleman for his reply, may I ask whether it is a fact that the limit of establishment was fixed by the Treasury because, otherwise, it would make for larger grants?

Mr. Alexander

No, Sir. I think the matter has been one of consultation between the two Departments, but it also has reference to what vacancies are likely to occur in future in the Royal Navy and the Merchant Service.

Mr. Lindsay

Is the Minister not aware that if he wished, and the staff were available, he could quadruple the numbers in six months?

Mr. Alexander

There are quite a number of difficulties, and there are reasons, other than the purely financial, which led us to fix the limit.

34. Mr. Lipson

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will make grants to units of the Sea Cadet Corps to enable them to pay approved rent for their headquarters.

Mr. Alexander

Grants are already paid to units of the Sea Cadet Corps for purposes connected with the training of the Unit, which may include payment of rent for headquarters.

Mr. Lipson

Is the Minister aware that the grant made was quite inadequate to meet anything of the cost of headquarters; and is he prepared to reconsider the matter, in view of the fact that some units may have to close down because of the financial difficulties?

Mr. Alexander

No unit in that position has yet been brought to my notice, but, as I explained to the hon. Member for Kilmarnock (Mr. Lindsay) some time ago, this matter involves the capitation grant paid to them, which is administered by the Navy League, who make grants in special cases, with the aid also of their private subscriptions. No case has been brought to my notice of special difficulties.