§ Mr. ASHLEYasked whether there is a shortage of signal and wireless telegraphy ratings in the Fleet; if such shortage exists, to what is it due; and what steps have been taken, or are proposed, to remedy it?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe numbers of signal and wireless telegraphy ratings to be worked to are fixed annually on the basis of the requirements of the Fleet for war, and it is anticipated that sufficient numbers to meet these requirements will be provided by the arrangements made this year. Full numbers are now borne both in the signal and the wireless telegraphy branches, a certain proportion being under training. The latter being a new and expanding branch, it is inevitable that some time should elapse before the full proportion of the higher telegraphist ratings is reached.