HC Deb 19 May 1915 vol 71 cc2351-2W
Mr. KING

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what is the practice of the Admiralty with respect to the supply of good secular literature to men and boys in His Majesty's naval service?

Dr. MACNAMARA

A seaman's library is provided for each ship containing from 200 to 600 books according to the complement of the ship. This library is intended for recreation purposes, and consists of a selection of books, mainly fiction. The catalogue is periodically revised at the Admiralty in order to bring it up to date and to include fresh books. Special libraries are maintained at the boys' training establishments, and the selection of books is made by the local officers with special reference to boys' requirements. Small weekly packets of periodicals, such as weekly illustrated papers and popular magazines are also distributed to ships of the Fleet.