HC Deb 18 May 1939 vol 347 cc1652-4W
Mr. Parker

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he will state the numbers of wives, mothers, and other dependants, respectively, of ratings serving on board His Majesty's Ship "Endeavour," who during the last two years have been informed by the Accounts Branch of the Admiralty that their separation and other allowances have been stopped owing to the desertion of ratings making the allotments, and the branches and ranks of the ratings?

Colonel Llewellin

It has been necessary in the last two years to stop the allotments of eight ratings of His Majesty's Ship "Endeavour" owing to their desertion; the allotments in question were being paid to three wives, two mothers, and three other dependants. The ratings concerned were one Stoker Petty Officer, two Stokers 1st Class and five Able Seamen.

Mr. Parker

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he will state the nature of the inquiry ordered by the commodore commanding, New Zealand station, into the discontent, desertions, leavebreaking, and excessive punishment on board His Majesty's ship "Endeavour"; the rank of the officer conducting the inquiry; what safeguards were given to ratings to state the facts without further prejudice to themselves; what is the report of the committee, and what action is to be taken to remedy the two years unsatisfactory state of affairs?

Colonel Llewellin

His Majesty's ship "Endeavour" is at present on surveying duties and is not due to return to Auckland from the survey grounds until the 3rd June when the Commodore Commanding, New Zealand station, intends to order a full confidential inquiry. The rank of the officer or officers who will conduct the inquiry has not been reported, but the hon. Member may rest assured that investigation will be thorough and that no rating who makes representations in the proper Service manner will be penalised in any way.

Mr. Parker

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether the quarterly returns of Punishments, with Warrants and other offences have been regularly received at the Admiralty from His Majesty's ship "Endeavour" during the two years that the ship has been on the New Zealand station; why the large number of warrant and other offences for a small ship's company was not discovered long ago and steps taken to remove the causes of discontent and check the excessive punishments; and whether action is to be, or has been, taken by the Admiralty against the persons who should have kept the board informed on important matters of discipline?

Colonel Llewellin

The punishment returns have been regularly received at the Admiralty from His Majesty's ship "Endeavour." Early in 1938, in view of the comparatively large number of punishments in the ship, steps were taken by the Admiralty to improve the dis- cipline, including changes in certain personnel and the grant of additional leave. In view of recent allegations of which the hon. Member is aware, the Commodore Commanding the New Zealand Squadron has been asked to hold an inquiry.