HC Deb 16 July 1958 vol 591 c1209
3. Mr. Storey

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what facilities have been offered for schoolboys to spend a week at sea in H.M.S. "Albion" during August.

Mr. R. Allan

Arrangements have been made, under the sponsorship of a national newspaper, for a party of eight boys to visit certain ships and establishments of the Royal Navy early in August. The boys will spend a few nights at sea in H.M.S. "Albion" during a normal passage. The visit is a prize to the winners of a competition prepared by the Navy League and run by the newspaper concerned. The newspaper, of course, is paying all expenses and fully indemnifying the Admiralty.

Mr. Storey

While the House will agree that it is desirable for as many boys as possible to see the work of the Navy, does the hon. Gentleman think that it is the duty of the Navy to provide prizes for what is, after all, only a circulation stunt?

Mr. Allan

It is not the duty of the Navy to provide prizes, but it is its duty to take every opportunity to encourage recruitment.