Mr. BOWER MANasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the men of the Royal Naval Volunteers whilst on H.M.S. "Buzzard," in addition to being called upon to pay a subscription of £l per year, are compelled to pay for their own food, their out-of-pocket expenses amounting annually to between £6 and £7; and, if so, whether he will take steps to modify the financial conditions of service, which only a limited number can meet?
§ Mr. McKENNA:Each of the ten companies of the London Division uses the "Buzzard" for a fortnight's training in rotation. This training is quite optional, as the Volunteers can undergo all the necessary drills for efficiency purpose in the drill hall on shore. Volunteers who use the "Buzzard" under these conditions often elect to sleep on board, in which case they can, if they wish, obtain any meals they desire to purchase from the canteen on board. There is no compulsory subscription for men of the Division, and subscriptions are purely optional.