Major GUESTasked whether the Admiralty have considered how far the present allowances paid to Admiralty draughtsmen permanently employed in London are sufficient to meet the cost of rent and living in the metropolis; whether, although the dockyard draughtsmen are unwilling to volunteer for service at the Admiralty owing to the allowances paid, it has been made a condition of promotion that they should accept this liability for service at the Admiralty; and, if so, whether the Admiralty will modify these conditions?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe additional cost of living in London was the subject of very careful investigation by the Committee appointed to inquire into the writing staff of the dockyards, and their conclusion was that the present allowances paid to Admiralty draughtsmen employed in London are sufficient. The answer to the second part of the question is in the affirmative. I can hold out no hope that these conditions will be modified.