§ Mr. NEWMANasked the First Lord of the Admiralty why H.M.S. "Triumph" being recently in need of repairs of such repairs were not taken in hand after the arrival of the said ship at Chatham, and why she was instead sent back to Malta and the necessary work taken in hand at that port; and what were the approximate wages paid to an employee at Chatham and Valetta dockyards respectively?
§ The FIRST LORD of the ADMIRALTY (Mr. McKenna)The "Triumph" is one of the Mediterranean Fleet, and her repairs are provided for in the Malta Dockyard programme. She returned to Chatham for a few days to recommission and change her crew. The pay of fitters at Chatham ranges from 36s. to 40s. per week, whereas that of the Maltese fitters varies from 24s. to 36s. per week. The English fitters at Malta Dockyard receive 15s. 2d. a week above their home yard rates, together with an allowance of £18 per annum for house rent.