§ Mr. Hamlingasked the Secretary of State for Defence what steps he is taking to reduce the number of shore establishments of the Royal Navy in order to release men for service at sea; and what short establishments he proposes to close in the next year.
§ Mr. MayhewShore establishments are reduced or closed when possible to achieve economies in money and manpower, but not specifically to release men for service at sea. Separation is one of the reasons for falling re-engagements, and, since our senior skilled men already spend an undue proportion of their time at sea, I do not intend deliberately to increase their proportion. During the coming year, we are closing the Admiralty Clothing Factory at Chatham, the R.N. Armament Depôt at Ditton Priors and the remainder of the Cable Depôt at Burntisland. All three establishments are civilian manned.
§ Mr. Hamlingasked the Secretary of State for Defence what steps he is taking to review the emplyoment of officers and ratings in shore establishments of the Royal Navy in order that they may be employed in sea-going duties.
§ Mr. MayhewNone. Separation is one of the reasons for falling re-engagement and, since our senior skilled men already spend an undue proportion of their time at sea, I do not intend deliberately to increase this proportion.