§ Mr. HALLSasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that, as a result of the men and boys in the Navy having to pay full railway fare to their homes when on leave instead of single fare as previously, a good many (especially boys) are unable to get home, and are thereby compelled 1177W to stay at the port for their leave; and, in view of this condition of affairs, will he renew the practice "of paying part, if not the whole, of the fare to all such hands to their homes?
§ Mr. AMERYNo details of the number of men who were unable to take their leave have been received, but it is unfortunately probable that the lack of cheap travelling facilities is resulting in hardship. Much as the Admiralty regret this, they fear they cannot adopt the suggestion in the second part of the question. As the hon. Member is, no doubt, aware, the pre-War facilities were afforded by the railway companies, and as I stated in my reply of the 10th April to the hon. and gallant Member for Portsmouth (Sir B. Falle), the companies have been pressed to revert to the pre-War arrangements. Xo reply has yet been received from them. I am pleased to say, however, that the Great Western Railway Company did grant excursion fare rates to men proceeding on Easter leave from Devonport.