HC Deb 24 January 1951 vol 483 c113
12. Mr. G. P. Stevens

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he is aware of a shortage of personnel for manning the Home Fleet; and what steps he is taking to remedy existing deficiencies.

Mr. Callaghan

There is no general shortage of men in the Home Fleet, but we need more senior ratings in certain branches. The remedies now being taken for this are acceleration of the training and advancement of younger men, the granting of a bounty of £100 to men who re-engage to complete time for pension, and the re-entry of experienced men.

Mr. Stevens

Is it not true that personnel were taken from the Home Fleet to reinforce the complements of ships in the Far East, particularly near Korea?

Mr. Callaghan

Yes, Sir, that is the normal process. When ships in the Far East needed strengthening men were taken from the Home Fleet for that purpose.

Surgeon Lieut.-Commander Bennett

Is it not a fact that one of the major obstacles to the adequate manning of the Fleet is the fact that there has been no efficient revision of the pensions structure?