HC Deb 20 July 1949 vol 467 cc1343-4
4. Mr. Willis

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what is the anticipated duration of the present commission of H.M.S. "Birmingham" from the date of her departure from the United Kingdom to her return to a United Kingdom port.

Mr. Dugdale

Two years and four months.

Mr. Willis

Is my right hon. Friend aware that in times of full employment, like the present, this very long commission—and it is a long post-war commission—is the type of factor which deters men from signing on for another 10 years after the end of their period of 12 years?

Mr. Dugdale

So far as this particular ship is concerned, I can only say that, in fact, the period is slightly less than normal. The actual time fixed is 2½ years, and this is two years and four months.

Commander Noble

Would the right hon. Gentleman keep a very careful watch on the length of foreign commissions for, as the hon. Member for North Edinburgh (Mr. Willis) said, it may well be one of the deterrents which prevent men from signing on for pension?

Mr. Dugdale

Most certainly.