§ 8. Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEasked whether the right hon. Gentleman is aware that in 1906 the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty adopted a tool for cleaning the ends of water-tube boilers invented by a hired skilled labourer at Devonport Dockyard, which was found to be a labour-saving device, and, in view of the number of water-tube boilers used in the Navy, of use to the Service; and whether, seeing that the man in question has now reached the age of sixty, after serving thirty-seven years as a hired skilled labourer without once losing time, and has an invalid daughter dependent on him, the Lords Commissioners can see their way to award him a sum of money bearing some proportion to the utility of the man's invention?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI understand that the man referred to by the hon. Member did not invent the tool in question, but merely suggested an improvement in an existing tool. The estimated saving to the Crown appears to have been very small. The man's claims shall be investigated, but I can give no undertaking on the subject of an award.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEAre we to understand from the statement made by the Awards Committee that that is true?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI do not quite understand what statement the hon. Gentleman refers to.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEIs he aware of the statement made by the Awards Committee as paraphrased by myself in the question I have put to-day, and will he tell me whether that is true or untrue?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI think the hon. and gallant Gentleman may safely leave this matter in my hands.