HC Deb 02 May 1879 vol 245 c1583
SIR DAVID WEDDERBURN

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty, Whether his attention has been directed to the fact, that the engine room artificers in the Navy continue to regard with a strong feeling of distaste the distinctive badge which they have been ordered to wear since February 1878; and, whether he has been able to modify his decision announced in August lust, that "the imperative necessity of requiring obedience to orders when given" is a sufficient reason for continuing to enforce the use of the badge?

MR. W. H. SMITH

In answer to the hon. Baronet, I have to say that my attention has been directed to the circumstances to which he refers by my hon. Friend the Member for Devon-port (Mr. Puleston), but in no other way. I have several times expressed my opinion on the subject; and I continue still of the opinion I expressed in August last, that it is necessary that the rank of the petty officers in the Royal Navy should be known by the uniform they wear.