§ Mr. Blackburnasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he is aware that members of the medical branch of the Royal Navy, in service group 72, have had their release date deferred for the second time; if he is aware of the acute disappointment caused by this decision; and if he will take steps to speed up the release of these men.
Mr. DugdaleThe Fleet was informed on 8th March that ratings of the Sick168W Berth Branch in release group 72 would normally be due for release between 7th April and 30th June. There has been no alteration to these dates for the group as a whole and so far therefore no men have been retained under the Military Needs Clause. In view of the acute shortage of men in the Sick Berth Branch, however, it is possible that some ratings in Group 72 may have been warned that they will be retained beyond the 30th June. I can assure the hon. Member that every effort is being made to meet the shortage of men in the Sick Berth Branch, and that the provision of reliefs for men retained beyond their normal release date has priority over all other commitments.