HC Deb 28 April 1948 vol 450 cc388-9
40. Dr. Segal

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is still anxious to encourage the activities of the Sea Cadet Corps; and why no national appeal for welfare funds on their behalf has yet been made on the lines of the national appeal for the Army Cadet Corps.

The Parliamentary and Financial Secretary to the Admiralty (Mr. John Dugdale)

Yes, Sir. As regards the second part of the Question, the welfare and social activities of the Sea Cadet Corps are the responsibility of the Navy League, which has an excellent organisation for dealing with them.

Dr. Segal

Is the Minister aware that in many towns units of the Sea Cadet Corps are labouring under heavy financial difficulties? Can he take steps to ensure that they are relieved of the burden so as to enable them to carry on this very necessary work?

Mr. Dugdale

My information is that they have sufficient funds. If my hon. Friend's information is to the contrary, perhaps he will send it to me.

Captain Marsden

Does the hon. Gentleman realise that the Sea Cadets depend very much on the capitation grant from the Admiralty, and that the capitation grant is always a long way in arrears? Will he help by seeing that it is paid up to date and promptly?

Mr. Bossom

Why is it that head-quarters take such a large proportion of the capitation grant, making a very unfair state of affairs in which the grant never reaches the cadets at all?

Mr. Dugdale

I do not think that is the case, but I will look into the matter to see whether it is possible to effect an improvement.

Dr. Segal

Why does the national appeal apply only to the Army Cadet Force, and not to the Navy?

Mr. Dudale

Because, as I have stated, the Navy League are responsible for raising funds for this purpose, and therefore appeals are constantly made through the Navy League.

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