§ MR. J. WILLIAMS BENN (Devonport)To ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he will take steps so that the scheme whereby 85 per cent, of the foremen of the Army Ordnance Department are placed on the pensionable establishment (70 General, No. 762, dated War Office June 1902) may be extended to the foremen of the Naval Ordnance Department, or that similar privileges may be extended as regards establishment, as are enjoyed by all other departments of the Admiralty; and also whether he is aware that the pay and increments of these foremen, are not equal to those enjoyed by men of similar rank at Woolwich and at certain Foreign depôts.
(Answered by Mr. Edmund Robertson) As regards Woolwich, it has been approved to follow War Department lines for labour staff, and steps are now being taken to establish the principal foreman and 85 per cent, of the assistant principal foremen and foremen. The case of the other Naval Ordnance Depots is not yet settled, but it is expected a decision will be arrived at shortly.