§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will inquire into the statement made by Leading-seaman William John Carter, who alleged that he, being one of the crew of His Majesty's Ship "Lucia," having seven years to serve to qualify for a pension of 30s. a week, and having borne throughout the service a very good character, was summarily dismissed from the Navy on 27 January without court-martial or opportunity to answer any charges; whether he is further aware that William John Carter alleges that he actually fell in on deck with the remainder of the petty officers and leading seamen during the recent incident on His Majesty's Ship "Lucia"; and whether the usual procedure has been followed in this case?
Mr. ALEXANDERCarter was discharged "services no longer required" by direction of the Admiralty and was not summarily dismissed, which is a form of naval punishment carrying with it certain disabilities which do not apply to discharge "services no longer required." The inquiry into the recent trouble in the "Lucia" showed that he bad for some time fomented discontent in the ship, in view of which and of the fact that his ability had for the past two years been assessed as "moderate" only, the Board decided that it, was desirable to terminate his contract of service. The procedure followed is that which has been taken in many cases when the Board is satisfied that the retention of an officer or man is not in the interests of the service.