HC Deb 19 November 1947 vol 444 cc1130-1
37. Commander Noble

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty how many Reserve officers for training were carried by ships of the Home Fleet during the recent summer cruise to the Baltic.

Mr. Dugdale

No Reserve officers were borne for training in ships of the Home Fleet during the recent summer cruise to the Baltic. I may add, however, that all those who volunteered for sea training during the past year were accommodated in His Majesty's ships.

Commander Noble

So that the whole of this picture may be seen, can the Financial Secretary say how many Pressmen were accommodated for this cruise?

Mr. Dugdale

No, Sir, I certainly cannot. A certain number were, and it is right that we should have adequate public relations with the Press. I see no objection to the Pressmen being so accommodated.

Mr. Austin

Can the Financial Secretary give the figures of the number of Reserve officers who volunteered for some sea training?

Mr. Dugdale

I can say, in fact, that 60 officers and 46 ratings did go for training in various ships during the year.

Lieut.-Commander Braithwaite

Did the ships go to sea?

Mr. Dugdale

Of course, they did.

Lieut.-Commander Braithwaite

It is very unusual.