§ MR. F. G. BARNES (Kent, Faversham)I beg to ask the Civil Lord of the Admiralty whether a petition has been received from the established painters of Sheerness Dockyard, complaining that in their case classification has not boon abolished; and whether he will take steps for the removal of this cause of complaint?
§ THE CIVIL LORD OF THE ADMIRALTY (Mr. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN,) Worcestershire, E.A petition was received last year from the established painters of Sheerness Dockyard, asking for the abolition of classification and that they might all be raised to their maximum rate of pay, but it was not granted. I cannot promise that this decision shall be reversed, but any fresh petitions which the men may make in due course will be carefully considered.