§ Admiral of the Fleet Sir HEDWORTH MEUXasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether about forty men over military age were discharged from the Gun Wharf at Portsmouth on 11th November; whether men of military age are being retained; and, if so, whether in future discharged men over military age will be retained, if efficient, and men of military age released for military service?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAOnly thirteen men over military age were discharged from the Gun Wharf at Portsmouth on the date named; these had been entered only three weeks previously for temporary service. Only four unskilled men of military age-have been retained (whilst their substitutes gain sufficient knowledge) and these four will be included in the next discharge