HC Deb 17 June 1925 vol 185 cc527-8W
Sir B. FALLE

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether, in view of the reduction of ships in the Atlantic Fleet and the considerable increase in the Mediterranean Fleet, he will now reconsider the question of an increase in the scale of foreign service leave to naval ratings, observing that it is not now possible for all naval ratings to get an equal share of service in the Atlantic Fleet as well as abroad, as the majority of sea time is now served in foreign waters, where the scale of leave allowed per year is two-thirds smaller than that allowed in the Atlantic Fleet?

Mr. DAVIDSON

It is hardly correct to say that the scale of leave allowed in foreign waters is two-thirds smaller than that allowed in the Atlantic Fleet. My hon. Friend apparently ignores the facilities for leave and recreation on the foreign station; these necessarily vary according to the nature of the service; but in the main constitute a substantial offset against the reduced leave at home. Further, although the amount of foreign service may not necessarily be equal to the amount of Atlantic Fleet service, drafting is so arranged that all men do their share of foreign, Atlantic Fleet and harbour service, so that the change in the end affects all ratings alike. Any increase of foreign service leave would add so largely to manning requirements that I am afraid it cannot be considered.