HC Deb 28 January 1878 vol 237 c529
MR. GORST

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty, Whether any arrangement has yet been made for treating the Mechanic Writers of Her Majesty's Dockyards as salaried clerks, or whether they are still to be treated as ordinary workmen at day pay?

MR. W. H. SMITH

Sir, the Question to which my hon. and learned Friend has referred is part of the larger one of the clerical establishments of the Dockyards, which are now being considered by a Committee. I admit there is a great deal to be said in favour of the proposition; but I am unable to deal with it until I have the Report of the Committee; and I may also add that Treasury approval will be required for any change in the status of the persons employed.