§ Mr. B. SMITHasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty the 2076W regulation under which Mr. F. G. Garland, No. 200,891, Portsmouth, was deprived of the Royal Fleet gratuity of £100 and the good conduct medal, as a result of refusal to answer the bugle call at Newport on 29th April, 1921; whether Mr. Garland has furnished any explanation of his refusal of duty; and, if so, what is the nature of same?
§ Mr. AMMONThe gratuity was forfeited under Article 117 of the Royal Fleet Reserve Instructions. The good conduct medal was withheld by the Admiralty as it was impossible for the usual recommendation to be made certifying his good conduct. This rating's excuse has been that he was in the lavatory and failed to hear the bugle. The Admiralty have found themselves unable to accept it.