§ Commander Purseyasked the Secretary of State for Defence by whom, and when, permission was given for the use of the Royal Naval College, Greenwich, for private dances and charity balls; and 185W which organisations in South East London can obtain permission for such private functions.
§ Mr. FoleyPermission for the use of the Royal Naval College, Greenwich, for private dances and charity balls, is granted by the Admiral President. The use of R.N. Establishments generally for this purpose is at the discretion of the Commanding Officer or his Superior Flag Officer.
Such private functions are restricted at Greenwich to organisations with College, Naval or Service affiliations.
§ Commander Purseyasked the Secretary of State for Defence, who gave permission for the first private charity ball at the Royal Naval College, with tickets priced at four guineas, for Friday, 30th June, to an organisation which for several years has held this annual function at an hotel.
§ Mr. FoleyThe Admiral President of the Royal Naval College, Greenwich, quite properly gave his permission for the Navy League to hold its annual ball this year at Greenwich.
§ Commander Purseyasked the Secretary of State for Defence which buildings at the Royal Naval College are to be used for the private charity ball on 30th June; and what alternative accommodation is to be available for the staff and student officers.
§ Mr. FoleyThe buildings used were the Painted Hall and the College mess reception rooms. The ball was specifically arranged for a Friday evening when the bulk of students would be away. It was unnecessary to provide alternative accommodation for those few remaining, who were not themselves attending the ball.
§ Commander Purseyasked the Secretary of State for Defence to what extent the public will be denied entry to the Painted Hall at the Royal Naval College on the afternoon of 30th June because of the private charity ball in the evening.
§ Commander Purseyasked the Secretary of State for Defence what are the conditions under which buildings at the 186W Royal Naval College are being hired for a private charity ball on 30th June; for how many guests; for what period of time; and what contract has been signed by the organisers.
§ Mr. FoleyCertain rooms and facilities were placed at the disposal of the ball sponsors without levying a charge. All other expenses were met from the proceeds of the ball. A thousand guests were invited. The ball took place from 9.15 p.m. until 2.15 a.m. The organisers were not required to sign a contract, but all arrangements for the conduct of the ball were made in full consultation with the College authorities. Indemnity insurance provision was made.
§ Commander Purseyasked the Secretary of State for Defence (1) in view of the confidential nature of some of the equipment and documents at the Royal Naval College, what additional security measures are to be taken as regards the large number of guests at the private charity ball on 30th June, some of whom will obtain admission simply by purchasing a ticket;
(2) what additional security measures are to be taken at the Royal Naval College for the private charity ball on 30th June; to what extent private security men or college police will be employed; and what extra wages are to be paid to college police.
§ Mr. FoleyAll college security arrangements were based on the fact that the general public had regular access to the college. A complete list of guests was held and their entrance to the college was checked by constabulary at the gates.
Because of the size 9f the event five extra college Admiralty policemen were employed for an average of six hours at double pay, as a charge to the ball sponsors.
§ Commander Purseyasked the Secretary of State for Defence to what extent private chauffeurs of guests, or chauffeurs of private hire cars, or any other private staff, are to be admitted to the Royal Naval College for the private charity ball on 30th June; and whether these civilians will be subject to security control.
§ Mr. FoleyCars entering the college were checked in the normal way. Chauffeurs and private staff were subject 187W to the usual security limitations on movement throughout their stay in the college.
§ Commander Purseyasked the Secretary of State for Defence what staff and numbers are to be employed for the private charity ball at the Royal Naval College on 30th June; to what extent they will be from private firms or college staff; and, for how long and what extra wages are to be paid to college staff.
§ Mr. FoleyApproximately 130 college staff were employed during the ball; none from private firms. Their employment was on a voluntary basis and they received double pay as a charge to the ball sponsors. Times worked varied according to the duties performed.
§ Commander Purseyasked the Secretary of State for Defence to what extent the Painted Hall at the Royal Naval College is to be used for the private charity ball on 30th June; and what insurance cover has been obtained against possible damage to this building and its national treasures.
§ Mr. FoleyAs is customary when a ball is held at Greenwich, the Painted Hall was used for sitting out tables and
(a) (b) (c) Number of Regular Officers' Widows receiving Ordinary Widows pensions Number included in Column (a), who are over 70 years of age Number included in Column (b) who are over 80 years of age Pre-1919 40 39 29 1919 4,889 3,956 1,487 1945 (including 1919 re-assessed for 1939–45 War Service) 4,661 2,532 398 1950 864 110 10 1956 537 9 — 1960 167 — — 1962 109 — — 1964 100 — — 1966 40 — —