HC Deb 17 July 1946 vol 425 cc1193-5
5. Vice-Admiral Taylor

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the passage costs demanded for the conveyance of the wives and children of naval ratings in H.M.S. "Speaker" to Bermuda.

6. Commander Maitland

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty on what basis the cost to the wives and children of ratings is calculated when passage is arranged in His Majesty's ships for the purpose of enabling wives to join their husbands; and if he will give examples of the charges demanded in the case of such passages to Malta, Bermuda and other naval bases.

Mr. Alexander

As announced on 29th May, it is intended to introduce a scheme for free passages in the near future. In the meantime, the charges for passengers in H.M. ships, not entitled to free conveyance at public expense, are based on those authorised for troop transports. The ratings' families given cabin accommodation in "Speaker" to Bermuda were charged the Grade B transport rate of £35; corresponding charges to Malta, Colombo and Singapore would be £18, £55 and £81 respectively, reductions being made for children.

Vice-Admiral Taylor

Is the First Lord aware that the cost demanded for the wife and one child of a petty officer travelling in one of His Majesty's ships was £69, and that the cost demanded for the wife of a leading telegraphist was £49? How can the right hon. Gentleman justify such an exorbitant charge in respect to wives and children of naval ratings in view of the statement made by the Financial Secretary on the subject? In any case, how can he justify charging anything more than the messing cost to the wives and children of naval ratings when conveyed in one of His Majesty's ships?

Mr. Alexander

I would like to be in a position to convey everybody everywhere free of charge, but, unfortunately, our finances do not ran to that. The charge made was below what would have been the normal commercial charge. As my hon. Friend announced on 29th May, a new system is being introduced and I am arranging that anybody who has travelled since 1st July and has paid this charge will have the money refunded if he would otherwise be entitled to free passage under the new scheme.

Mr. J. P. L. Thomas

Can the First Lord tell us when this scheme wilt be introduced, because these figures are enormous?

Mr. Alexander

They look enormous on paper until one examines the details, which I cannot do at Question time. As I have said, this scheme was introduced on about 1st July, and any charge incurred since that date will be refunded where a person would otherwise be entitled to travel free.

Mr. James Callaghan

Is the purpose of this charge to discourage the wives and children from joining their husbands? It really, has that effect.

Mr. Alexander

No, Sir.

Commander Maitland

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that the information he has just given is made known to serving seamen by means of Fleet Orders?

Mr. Alexander

We always take adequate steps in that direction.

Vice-Admiral Taylor

In view of the unsatisfactory reply given by the First Lord, I wish to give notice that I will raise this matter on the Adjournment.