§ Sir T. BRAMSDONasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if his attention has been called to the fact that members of the seamen branch on re-entering the Navy are receiving a free kit or £26 in lieu thereof, and independently of the time they re-enter, whereas members of the stoker branch are not so entitled, but have to pay for the kit required; and whether he can see his way clear to rectify this apparent anomaly?
§ Sir J. CRAIGThe free issue of clothing is not normally allowed under the Regulations to men who re-enter the Navy in the same rating which they held on discharge, unless they were discharged as boys, or with less than four years' man's service. In order to meet a shortage of seaman ratings, men of this latter branch, are at present allowed a free kit, including bedding, or, if they already possess it, they are credited with its value at Service issuing prices (about £26 at present) provided they re-enter for not less than five years. If they re-enter for less than five years they receive a gratuity of £13 only. This is an exceptional measure intended to induce men to re-enter the seaman branch. It is not intended to be permanent, and there is no reason for its extension to any other branch.