§ Sir THOMAS BRAMSDONasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware of the discontent prevailing amongst men of the accountant staff at the Royal Naval Barracks, Portsmouth, at the long delays occasioned in demobilisation; whether married men of thirty-seven and over, and those who enlisted in 1914 and 1915, are still being retained; and whether Admiralty orders are being carried out in this depot or not?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAAlthough the Admiralty much regret having to delay the demobilisation of anybody, it is in evitable that writers, victuallers and sick-berth ratings must suffer slower demobilisation than others. An enormous amount of accountant and clerical work has necessarily been caused by demobilisation itself; the resettlement of the Fleet, and the transition period between war and peace also necessarily involve a mass of clerical labour for which the permanent active service members of the accountant-branch is obviously insufficient.
Although the principle of giving assistance by civilian clerks has been accepted, it must be pointed out that in a service like the Navy there are limitations to its use.
Up to date 93 per cent. of the total number to be demobilised from the Navy have been demobilised. On the other hand, 65.3 per cent. of the writer branch and 67 per cent. of the victualling branch have been demobilised for the reasons already given.
The medical branch are also similarly handicapped, and it is obvious so long as the aftermath of war leaves so many patients to be nursed, and so many convalescents to be tended, that the permanent sick-berth staff of the Navy must be insufficient for this work as well as their normal duties in the Fleet; 77.7 per cent. of these have now been demobilised.