§ Mr. ASHLEYasked whether the number of signal ratings borne in His Majesty's ships on the Australian station has recently been reduced; if so, to what extent, and for what reason?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative; twenty-four signal ratings is the number, and the reason is that their services can be utilised to greater advantage in the large fleets at home, where the signalling work is much heavier.