§ MR. PLUMMER (Newcastle-on-Tyne)On behalf of the hon. and gallant Member for Kilmarnock Burghs, I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he can state what is the horse power of the largest vessel in the Fleet on which artificer engineers have full charge of the machinery, and what is the rate daily of pay and pension on retiring of such artificers.
§ THE SECRETARY TO THE ADMIRALTY (Mr. ARNOLD-FORSTER,) Belfast, W.The largest vessels in which artificer engineers have full charge of machinery are sloops of 1,400 I.H.P. The pay of an artificer engineer on promotion is 8s. 6d. a day, rising to 9s. 6d. after five years service in the rank, and 10s. 6d. after 10 years service. Artificer engineers in charge of engines are eligible for additional allowances, of which the average amount is 9d. per day. They are eligible on retirement at the age of 55 to pensions ranging from £50 to £120, according to length of service.