§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury by what method the boys on board the training ship "Arethusa" are entered?
§ Mr. AMMONThe training ship "Arethusa" is not controlled by the Admiralty, but by the "Shaftesbury Home and Arethusa Training Ship." The arrangements for the entry of boys are made by the managing committee of the establishment.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury to what amount grants are made from Government funds to the training ship "Arethusa"; who is the commanding officer; how is he appointed; whether Government inspectors visit the ship; and, if so, on behalf of which Department, and how often?
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§ Mr. AMMONThe training ship "Arethusa" is recognised by, and receives grants from, the Board of Education and the Admiralty under the respective Regulations of these Departments. I am informed by my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Education that grants are paid by the Board of Education to recognised mercantile training establishments at the rate of £10 per annum for each pupil who completes the approved course of not less than one year. If the approved course lasts for more than a year the Board of Education may pay a proportionate part of the grant for pupils who have been in residence in the school and in regular attendance at the course for less than its full duration, but no grant is payable for any pupil who has been in attendance at the course for less than one year. No grant is paid in respect of any pupil under the age of 13. Grants are paid by the Admiralty to recognised mercantile training establishments at the rate of £15 for each advanced class boy entered in the Royal Navy, or £25 where the proportion of advanced class boys exceeds 40 per cent. of the total output of the establishment. In addition, a recruiting fee of 2s. 6d. is paid for each ordinary boy entered in the Navy, and an additional grant of £3 for the 20th and any subsequent boys entered in a given year. The grants paid to the "Arethusa" during the financial year 1923–24 by the Board of Education and the Admiralty amounted respectively to £2,173 and approximately £380. This training ship is lent by the Admiralty to the "Shaftesbury Home and Arethusa Training Ship" free of rent, but subject to insurance and the general conditions governing the loan of naval vessels as training ships. The Commanding Officer of the "Arethusa" is Commander William E. Prowse, R.N. (retired). The Commanding Officer is appointed by the Committee of the training ship. The "Arethusa," in common with other recognised mercantile training ships, is inspected annually by the Admiral Commanding Reserves on behalf of the Admiralty, and by officers of the Board of Education as often as may be deemed desirable.