§ MR. MACLIVERasked the Secretary to the Admiralty, If he has given the attention which he promised to the posi- 815 tion of the Royal Naval Engineers, and whether he can state how far he is prepared to revise their pay and status?
§ MR. TREVELYANSir, the Engineering Department of the Navy is the only Naval Service of importance which has recently sprung into existence, and its organization has not yet been arrranged on a final and satisfactory basis. When the Estimates are introduced next year I shall be prepared, if I still hold the Office which I now have the honour to fill, to submit to the House a scheme which I hone will meet with approval.
In answer to a further Question,
§ MR. TREVELYANsaid, that the Navy Estimates would not be taken until an opportunity should present itself to the Government of obtaining a clear night for their discussion. As to the Royal Naval Engineers, the Lords of the Admiralty would be very pleased to hear the opinions of hon. Members; but he could not promise that the reorganization to which he had referred would be explained at the time which might be fixed for the discussion of the Estimates. The general outline of scheme had already been sketched, but no reason existed for taking any premature step in connection with this subject.