§ Mr. R. YOUNGasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether any chief petty officer ratings remain at home for a period of four and a-half years before going abroad or after returning from abroad; and, if so, to which ratings this applies and for what reason?
§ Lieut.-Colonel HEADLAMThe answer is in the affirmative. It applies to various chief petty officer ratings, mainly artisans and writers. So far as has been ascertained in the many individual cases which have had to be examined in order to answer the hon. Member's question, the reason accords with the regulations. But if the hon. Member has in mind a specific instance where he suspects departure from the regulations, I shall be grateful if he will acquaint me with the particulars.