§ 39. Major Sir Jocelyn Lucasasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the parents of cadets serving as volunteers on His Majesty's ships have all to sign an indemnity for liability due to accidents or enemy action; and whether he will amend this ruling.
§ The First Lord of the Admiralty (Mr. A. V. Alexander)I assume that the question refers to those senior cadets at the Royal Naval College, Dartmouth, who are occasionally given permission to spend a portion of their leave in H.M. ships. These cadets do not go to sea under orders but purely voluntarily under arrangements made between themselves and the commanding officers concerned. Admiralty action is confined to ensuring that the parent or guardian has consented to the visit in each case. In these circumstances liability in respect of accident or injury which may occur cannot be accepted by the Department. The reply to the first part of the Question is in the negative and the second part does not, therefore, arise.
§ Sir J. LucasIs it not rather hard lines that if a cadet wishes to fit himself for service in the war he loses, because of an indemnity, if he is injured in action?
§ Mr. AlexanderHe is not required to go. It is simply that he expresses a desire to go, and makes arrangements.
§ Mr. ShinwellAre not these cadets in fact encouraged to undertake these duties as part of their ordinary training, and if they are so encouraged why should there be any indemnity?
§ Mr. AlexanderThat is raising a very large and new principle with regard to those who are not at present commissioned and paid servants of the State. They are under training. Such a principle if adopted would have to apply to many other sections.
§ Mr. ShinwellDoes not my right hon. Friend encourage them to go?
§ Mr. AlexanderI have not encouraged them personally to go. It is entirely a matter for the cadet, with the consent of the parent.