§ CAPTAIN PRICEasked the Secretary to the Admiralty, Whether it is the case that the recent circular with regard to engine-room artificers having been placed before the men (entered before November 1882), in order to ascertain how many of them would accept its terms, the returns already received show that less than five per cent. are willing to accept them, and that these are in special employment; and, if this is so, will the Admiralty consider the advisability of withdrawing a circular so obnoxious to this class, with the view to the introduction of a more beneficial one?
§ MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANAs I stated, in answer to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Plymouth (Mr. Macliver) a few days ago, we have not yet received complete Returns as to the extent to which the new terms offered to engine-room artificers are accepted. It will be some time before we can tell the ultimate result.
§ CAPTAIN PRICEWill the hon. Gentleman tell us what number of the men have already accepted the Circular? I understand that upwards of 200 have already expressed their opinion against it; and as I shall raise the point on the Estimates it will save time if the information is forthcoming.
§ [No reply was given.]