§ Mr. CROOKSasked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that on the 4th instant fifty-seven men of the Motor-boat Reserve were discharged at Southampton at one day's notice and four days' pay; that these men had seen much service, one of them having been acting during his later period of service as an instructor; and whether the policy that is to be put into force during demobilisation by way of tiding men over a period of unemployment can be applied in this case?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe facts are as stated, but my right hon. Friend must not confuse this discharge with demobilisation. This particular discharge was in consequence of an urgent call for manpower2532W in other forces. Most of the men had been at the depôt for at least three years, but have not seen very much sea service. One of these was an instructor, but as very few men are now under training in this particular depôt, it was found possible to dispense with his services. It may be as well that I should state at once that on demobilisation each man will receive at least twenty-eight days' leave with pay and allowances, and that he will be fully insured against unemployment for a period of not less than twenty weeks during the first year.