§ Mr. D. G. SOMERVILLEasked the Civil Lord of the Admiraty if he will state the naval construction programme contemplated and realised since the Washington Conference by the different Powers represented at that Conference?
Mr. ALEXANDERThe reply is as follows:
the system of entry of boys to the Greenwich Royal Hospital School; how are these boys chosen; and by whom?
Mr. ALEXANDERAdmissions to the Royal Hospital School, Greenwich, are made between 11 and 14 years of age, and are limited to the sons of—
Before admission they must sign an agreement (together with their parents or guardians) that they will enter for continuous service in the Royal Navy. Candidates for admission are selected by a committee appointed by the Admiralty.
- (a) Warrant officers, non-commissioned officers, petty officers and men of the Royal Navy and Marines, and second mates of coastguard cruisers.
- (b) Men of the Royal Naval Reserve.
- (c) Other seafaring persons and men drowned in the lifeboat service.
§ Mr. LANSBURYasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what 2217W is the salary of the superintendent of Greenwich Royal Hospital School; how long does the appointment last; and what is the total amount of salary and pension that the superintendent receives?
Mr. ALEXANDERThe salary of the superintendent is at the rate of £600 a year, rising by increments of £25 to a maximum of £800 a year, in addition to which he receives an allowance of £50 a year for charge of the Boreman Foundationers. He has the use of an official residence, and is appointed for five years or during the pleasure of the Board of Admiralty. The officer at present holding the appointment is in receipt of naval retired pay at the rate of £720 a year.
§ Mr. LANSBURYasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what is the cost to the State of each boy at the Greenwich Royal Hospital School; who lays down the system of training and education at the school; who is responsible for seeing that it is carried out; what is the system of inspection at the school; and when was the last inspection held?
Mr. ALEXANDERThe cost to the State of each boy is nil, the whole cost of the school being defrayed from the funds of Greenwich Hospital. The system of training and education is laid down by the Board of Admiralty acting in their capacity of trustees of Greenwich Hospital. The general responsibility under the Board of Admiralty, as trustees, rests with the director of Greenwich Hospital, and more immediately with the superintendent of the school. The school is inspected annually by a committee appointed by the Admiralty, the last inspection having been carried out in the summer of 1923.