§ 11. Mr. Dribergasked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he is aware that 76 ratings serving in H.M.S. "Birmingham" will become entitled to Class A release before 29th April; that this ship is to sail on a cruise in foreign waters lasting 2 to 2½ months on or about 7th March; that of the 76 ratings concerned some 10 are to be allowed to leave the ship before 7th March because there are, in addition to their Class A entitlement, special compassionate grounds for their release; and if, as there is no operational necessity for the retention of these men, he will take steps to prevent this breach of the age-plus-service principle by causing all those concerned to be drafted from the ship before 7th March and held in the United Kingdom for release within the dates proper to their groups.
§ Mr. AlexanderThe hon. Member has been misinformed with regard to the duration of the cruise. It is expected that H.M.S. "Birmingham "will have returned to this country well before 29th April. The last part of the Question does not, therefore, arise.
§ Mr. DribergThere will be no men then, can we take it, who will be delayed beyond their proper time?
§ Mr. AlexanderI do not think so