§ Mr. BARNARDasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether any naval men were lent by the Admiralty for the purpose of the "Nimrod" expedition because of their experience in Antarctic expeditions; if so, whether their pay was stopped during the whole period they were attached to the "Nimrod"; and, if so, whether, seeing that the Government has recognised the national character of the expedition, he can see his way to allow these men a gratuity?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAOne petty officer applied to purchase his discharge in order1638W to join the British Antarctic expedition of 1907. As the man was anxious to rejoin the Navy on his return the Admiralty, as an act of grace, granted him leave for the period without pay, and directed that his name should be continued on ship's books, thus permitting his service in the Antarctic to count towards his Naval pension. He has now been granted leave on full pay for three months before returning to active service.