§ Mr. THORNEasked the First Lord of the Admiralty who is responsible for the dismissal of the 24 naval ratings attached to the Atlantic Fleet; the reasons for the dismissals; whether they have been deprived of pension rights and decorations; and why the pledge given in this House has been disregarded?
Sir B. EYRES MONSELLThese men were discharged "Services no longer required" by order of the Board of Admiralty, after full consideration. The reason for their discharge was, as stated in the Official Statement issued by the Admiralty, that after the return of the Atlantic Fleet from Invergordon to the Home Ports, they had continued conduct subversive of discipline. Men discharged "Services no longer required" are not eligible for pensions, but they retain any war or other medals which they hold prior to discharge. The statement made by my predecessor in this House on 17th September, referred obviously to matters which had taken place prior to that date, and not to matters which occurred subsequently.