HC Deb 05 December 1945 vol 416 cc2459-60W
Lieut.-Colonel Mackeson

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many men the R.N. could carry from Singapore to the United Kingdom during the months of January and February, 1946, assuming orders being given to do so regardless of any other consideration and assuming that all the passengers traveled under active service conditions.

Mr. Alexander

His Majesty's ships are already being used for trooping to the fullest extent practicable. Passengers are employed as part of the complement, and the ships arc filled even more than under ordinary active service conditions. It is not possible to calculate numbers which could be carried in hypothetical circumstances.

Major Wyatt

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether R.N. vessels have been used and are being used to bring soldiers and airmen as well as naval ratings back to this country for demobilisations.

Mr. Alexander

Yes, Sir.