§ 81. Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware of the slowness of promotion in the armourers' crew rating; that there are men of excellent character and skilful mechanics in the Royal Navy, having eight years' service and more, and qualified for the rating of armourer's mate, but in present circumstances have little chance of obtaining the promotion; whether he will say what is the average pay of armourers' crew, exclusive of good conduct badges, and how it compares with the average pay of mechanics doing similar work in private firms?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI do not think that any comparison could usefully be made between the average pay of armourers' crews and of the rates of pay outside., There is nothing definitely corresponding to the armourers' crew in the private trade. The pay on entry as armourers' crew is 16s. 4d. per week and free rations. This is exclusive of pay for good conduct badges. I may add that the position of the armourer class is at present under consideration, and it is proposed to make some improvement in their condition.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEWill the hon. Gentleman answer the first part of the question, as to whether he is aware of the slowness of promotion in the armourers' crew rating?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAYes, I replied to it in the last part of my answer. I said: "I may add that the position of the armourer class is at present under consideration, and it is proposed to make some improvement in their condition."