§ Sir T. BRAMSDONasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty the percentage of Royal naval writers who were invalided in 1921 with consumption; and whether the Admiralty will take steps to improve the ventilation and lighting arrangements of the various offices ashore and afloat?
§ Mr. AMERYThe percentage of Royal naval writers invalided in 1921 with consumption was .87. While this percentage is higher in the case of writers than in the total naval forces, and is greater than the percentage in pre-War and early War years, it must be remembered that the physical requirements of writers on entry are lower than52W those of other ratings, and that the standards were considerably relaxed during the War. The lower the physical standard on entry, the greater the risk is of entering men with latent tubercle, which may develop later and be wrongly ascribed to conditions of service. Probably many of the recent cases have arisen in men entered under war conditions. The inevitable overcrowding of all offices during the War may also be reasonably held responsible for some increase in the number of cases, as it is a well-recognised fact that a sedentary, indoor type of life tends to render a man more liable to pulmonary tuberculosis, particularly when opportunity for exercise is limited, as was the case during the War. The Admiralty fully realise the importance of healthy surroundings, and every effort is made to secure adequate ventilation and lighting arrangements in naval offices afloat and ashore. So far as space allows the principle aimed at afloat is to provide offices, which are worked in practically all day, with natural light and ventilation. Within the last six months the majority of the offices ashore have been inspected, and the questions of ventilation, accommodation, and lighting have been specially inquired into. All suggestions and recommendations are carefully considered with a view to making possible improvements.