§ 89. Mr. Emrys Hughesasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what was the number of sailors declared deserters per month during the years 1938 and 1948, respectively, showing for 1948 sailors serving on Regular engagements and National Service men separately.
§ Mr. CallaghanIn total, 386 men deserted in 1938 and 351 in 1948. Following are the details:
— Continuous Service National Service January 15 8 February 21 6 March 22 4 April 15 2 May 26 5 June 34 2 July 25 1 August 34 1 September 45 — October 40 3 November 15 4 December 23 — TOTAL 315 36 I regret that the monthly figures for 1938 are not available. The above figures include men absent seven days or more but, on recovery, not all of them would necessarily be charged with, or convicted of, desertion.