§ Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCKasked the President of the Local Government Board whether his attention has 1844W been called to statements made at a recent conference between representatives of the Metropolitan boards of guardians and the committee of the training ship "Exmouth," in which it was said that boys who had joined the ship had in six months so deteriorated in physique that they were returned to the unions to which they were chargeable; that the work to which the boys were put was too severe for their strength; and that boys home on leave advised other lads not to join the "Exmouth"; and whether he will have inquiries made on these points and also ascertain if the boys are receiving the full-rationed food allowance?
§ Mr. HAYES FISHERI have made inquiries on the points referred to by my Noble Friend, and I am glad to have this opportunity of removing an evident misapprehension which might otherwise have interfered with the excellent work which the "Exmouth" is doing. An objection has been raised to the physical standard of admission to the ship on the ground that it was too high and it was in answer to this objection that the danger of relaxing the standard was pointed out. On the other hand, there is no evidence at all that boys up to the standard on admission deteriorate in physique or find the work to which they are put too severe for them, and I am assured that the boys are receiving the full allowance of articles of food permitted by the Food Controller's Regulations.