§ Mr. FALLEasked the First Lord of the Admiralty if no shore leave was given to the men of the lower deck, Ninth Cruiser Squadron, on arrival at Spithead on 3rd August last; and, if so, will he explain the reason for this course of action, in view of his recent promise?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLNo shore leave was given to the Ninth Cruiser Squadron on arrival at Spithead on 3rd August, it being found necessary to keep the crews on board for the purpose of cleaning the ships prior to reducing to reserve commission complements on 7th August. The conditions differed from those obtaining in other ships as the Ninth Cruiser Squadron did not take part in the second phase of the manœuvres; leave had, moreover, been given to these ships previously during the manœuvre period. I may remind the hon. Member that as a rule no leave is given during the manœuvre period, which represents a period of war. Special leave is always given after the manœuvres; and this year as much as seven days have been granted.