HC Deb 10 July 1946 vol 425 cc369-70
10. Mr. Mallalieu

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will now consider abolishing liberty boats from shore establishments in this country.

Mr. Dugdale

My right hon. Friend has this matter under consideration, and will communicate with my hon. Friend as soon as possible.

Mr. Mallalieu

While giving a qualified thanks to the Minister for that reply, may I ask him to bear in mind that every facility should be given to ratings after working hours in this respect?

Mr. Dugdale

Certainly, Sir.

Mr. J. Langford-Holt

As, to my knowledge, the First Lord has had this question under consideration for some time, would the Minister tell us what tremendous decision is holding up this matter?

Mr. Dugdale

The Question was first put down a week ago. My right hon. Friend has only just returned from India, and the matter requires a little consideration.

Lieut.-Commander Gurney Braithwaite

Can the Minister assure us that the inspection of liberty men does not on this occasion extend to the examination of their clothing for Service marking, which can surely be done on a more appropriate occasion?