§ Sir R. Gowerasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will consider the desirability of fully compensating serving officers of the Royal Navy who lose their uniforms, plain clothes and other effects when their ship is sunk, instead of on the basis of the minimum outfit required on active service?
Mr. AlexanderThe principle that officers are compensated for loss of effects on the basis of enabling them to reequip themselves with what is necessary for further service is considered fair and reasonable. The regulations clearly provide that if an officer keeps non-service articles on board it is incumbent upon him to protect himself by insurance. The fact that insurance against war risks can be effected with the War Risks Insurance Office has been brought to the notice of all officers. Directions were given on the outbreak of war that all ceremonial articles of uniform were to be landed. If an officer did not have the opportunity to land such articles compensation was paid.