§ Lord C. BERESFORDasked the right hon. Gentleman whether, in Admiralty Circular Letter of December, 1902, engineer commanders were promised a minimum rate of pay on promotion of 24s. a day; that, in spite of this promise, some of the engineer commanders only received 18s. a day on promotion to that rank, and that this action has created dissatisfaction amongst the engineer officers of the Royal Navy; whether the engineer officers were promised that every effort would be made to make the age of reaching each rank in the engineering branch identical with the age of reaching the corresponding rank in the executive branch; and whether he will inquire into the case and remove what is regarded as an anomaly?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As to the second part of the question, I must refer the Noble Lord to the replies given to him on 9th March and 8th and 18th May last, and also to the detailed Memorandum on the matter sent in reply to the Memorial to the Board which the Noble Lord and other Dockyard Members signed on 27th June last. As regards the third part of the question, the Circular Letter of December, 1902, stated that the average period of reaching each rank will be assimilated, as far as it is possible, to that of the executive branch. Steps have been taken to carry this into effect, and whereas under the old Regulations prior to 1902 the average age on reaching the rank of Fleet Engineer (now Engineer Commander) was about forty-three years, it is now thirty-eight years.
§ Lord C. BERESFORDIs it not the fact that the Circular of 1902 promised these engineer commanders 24s. a day, and that the Circular of November, 1903, altered that altogether? Is there not a very great deal of discontent because these officers think they are subjected to the injustice that although apparently they were promised a certain rate of pay that promise has not been carried out?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThey were promised a certain rate subject to conditions. If I send the Noble Lord the Memorandum referred to in connection with the memorial he can refresh his memory. Should he put down a further question I will do my best to answer it.