§ Sir T. BRAMSDONasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he is aware that in a large number of His Majesty's ships, and particularly light cruisers, the mess deck space has been considerably curtailed by the erection of cabins and other compartments since the ships were originally designed; and, if these compartments have not been authorised by the Admiralty, will he issue such instructions as will ensure that the lower-deck ratings, who use the mess deck as living quarters, are not deprived of the space that it was intended they should have available in the original designs?
§ Mr. HODGESCurtailment of mess deck space has been necessary in certain of His Majesty's ships since they were first designed, but such alterations are only sanctioned by the Admiralty when they are absolutely essential. Definite orders already exist prohibiting alterations and the erection of compartments which have not been approved by the472W Admiralty. Further instructions on the subject are not considered necessary.