HC Deb 16 November 1937 vol 329 cc232-3W
Mr. Kirby

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he has any statement to make as to the incidents aboard His Majesty's Ship "Warspite" in June last, which led to an inquiry, followed by the dismissal of three naval ratings and the removal of three officers from their posts?

Mr. Shakespeare

His Majesty's Ship "Warspite" after refitting at Portsmouth had been recently commissioned for foreign service, when it became known that long week-end leave, which had previously been granted to the Chatham crew, in view of the fact that the ship was stationed away from her Home Port, was not likely to be granted during the last two week-ends at home. Improper means of representing this grievance were adopted and an irregular assembly of a section of the crew took place. Subsequently the Admiralty caused an inquiry to be held with the result referred to by the hon. Member.