§ Mr. McGovernasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware of the feeling of indignation that has been aroused in Gourock and Greenock over the failure of his Department to make some provision for large numbers of men from the Navy who have recently been on shore leave, who could not get back to their ships at night, had no accommodation, and were compelled to molest and beg lodgings from passers-by in the streets; that many of these men slept out all night; and will he see that some provision is made either to billet the men, or provide sea transport in order to return them to their ships?
§ Mr. ShakespeareI am aware that there have been one or two occasions when a number of men on shore leave were unable to return to their ships owing to thick fog. On those occasions, emergency accommodation was arranged for the men and patrols were sent out to tell men where to go. Consideration is being given to the possibility of providing accommodation arrangements which will avoid a recurrence of the difficulty.