§ Sir THOMAS BRAMSDONasked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he was aware of the dissatisfaction amongst the engineer officers of the Royal Navy in reference to their status; and whether their Lordships intend to grant to such engineer officers the military position and powers of control which are recognised as necessary for the engineer officers entered under the new scheme who are now at sea as midshipmen?
§ Mr. McKENNAI have nothing at present to add to the reply given to my hon. Friend in answer to a similar question on 1st December last.
§ Sir T. BRAMSDONHas this subject been brought under the consideration of their Lordships, as was promised by Lord Lochee in the Debate on the Navy Estimates last year?
§ Mr. McKENNAYes. We have discussed this subject during my tenure of office.
§ Sir T. BRAMSDONWhen may we hope to have the result of their Lordships' consideration?
§ Mr. McKENNAI cannot specify any particular date. It is a matter of the greatest difficulty, but we are not overlooking it.
§ Sir T. BRAMSDONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the subject is affecting the discipline of the Navy?
§ Mr. McKENNAI have no information showing that the discipline of the Navy has been affected in the slightest degree.
§ Sir T. BRAMSDONWill the right hon. Gentleman inquire?
§ Mr. McKENNACertainly.