§ Major GLYNasked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many naval stations and camps have been handed over to the Ministry of Munitions for disposal; how many more are in prospect of being handed over; what steps are being meantime taken to protect the material and property; and how many ratings are so employed?
§ Mr. LONGThe number of properties placed by the Admiralty in the hands of the Ministry of Munitions is twenty-seven to the present date. Eight further properties are about to be referred to that Department—and many more will follow as decisions on policy release them. As regards caretaking, the circumstances vary in each case, but effective steps are taken by the Admiralty to safeguard properties until definite arrangements are effected with the Ministry of Munitions for them to take over the responsibility and provide protection pending final disposal. It has not been practicable in the time to ascertain the number of ratings employed, but I am advised that those engaged solely on caretaking would be very few.