§ 40. Mr. Keenanasked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will explain the reason why only 1,694 ratings decided to volunteer and remain in the R.N. on demobilisation up to December, 1945; if he is aware that 6,727 officers volunteered up to the same date; and what steps he proposes to make the service attractive for naval ratings to volunteer and continue in the R.N.
§ Mr. AlexanderThe figures quoted are those which I gave to my hon. Friend on 6th February. The fact that the number of officers volunteering for further service is greater than that of ratings is not unnatural. Most men are war-weary, and are anxious to return to civil life in which the release benefits are an added attraction. The new scale of pay and allowances has only just been announced, and does not come into operation until 1st July, and I think it is too soon to judge its effect.
§ Mr. KeenanIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the figures he gave in answer to the Question I asked before indicate that about 80 per cent." of the officers decided to sign on again when the time of demobilisation arrived and only 2 per cent, of the ratings? Is he aware of the terrible conditions under which the men live, and that the disciplinary code of the Navy is such that the men will not remain in the Navy until it is altered?
§ Mr. AlexanderI cannot accept that general and wide-sweeping charge. I have my own opportunities for meeting the men from time to time and talking 1144 to them. I would not accept that at all. As a result of the experience after the last war we in this Government have made a far better postwar code of service than any Government in previous history. I am satisfied that when it is understood by all grades there will be better re-enlistment when the improved pay and service code comes into operation.