Lieut.-Commander Hutchisonasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty the numbers of officers and ratings, respectively, borne in the books of ships in full commission, sea-going ships employed on training duties, and ships in reserve, at the present time.
Mr. DugdaleThe number of officers and ratings respectively borne at the present time in the three classes of ships mentioned is approximately as follows:
—— Ships in full commission. Sea-going ships employed on training duties. Ships in reserve or reducing to reserve. Officers … 3,700 900 1,500 Ratings … 32,300 7,400 13,500
Lieut.-Commander Hutchisonasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty the approximate number of officers and ratings, respectively, borne in shore establishments, on 1st January, 1939, and at the present time.
Mr. DugdaleThe numbers of officers and ratings borne in shore establishments on the 1st January, 1939, were approximately 4,000 and 41,00o, respectively. The current corresponding numbers are34W approximately 8,500 officers and 77,500 ratings. I would point out that present conditions are, of course, abnormal.