§ MR. SUMMERBELLI beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty how many engine-room artificers have been supplanted by mechanicians since the inauguration of the latter rating; and will the basis laid down for this change in Circular Letter No. 91, of 26th July, 1907, be inserted in the recruiting bills issued for public guidance.
§ MR. McKENNANo engine-room artificers have been supplanted in the service by mechanicians, but the numbers of engine-room artificers hereafter required will be less by 40, approximately; on account of the mechanicians now serving afloat. No reason is seen for inserting the provisions of Circular Letter No. 91 of the 26th July, 1907, in re ruiting handbills.