§ Lord CHARLES BERESFORDasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether 53W some of the Royal Marines on active service occupying positions as messengers in the home ports have been relieved by pensioners; whether, if all similar positions were filled by pensioners at the home ports, it would release about 30 Royal Marines from each of the home ports; and whether, as a shortage of men exists in the Royal Marine forces, this proposal would release a number of Royal Marines to take their turn for foreign service or fleet work?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLOne corporal and three privates, orderlies to the Commander-In-Chief, Portsmouth, were recently replaced by pensioners. The question of relieving others in similar positions is under consideration. Such reliefs would set free an equal number of Marines for other duties, but each case must be dealt with on its merits, the provision of an adequate proportion of harbour service being taken into consideration.