§ 12. Mr. CHARLES DUNCANasked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that since the 20th January, 1913, extra attendance amounting to 1,994 hours has been given by the clerical staff of the Naval Store Department, Sheerness dockyard, out of which total payment for ninety-five hours only has been made; whether he will say when authority for the payment of the remaining hours will be given; and, in view of the inadequacy of the clerical staff to cope with the work of the department, the necessary increase in the numbers borne will be sanctioned?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAIt is known that there has been great pressure of work in the Naval Store Department at Sheerness of late, and for this reason three writers were added to the staff temporarily at the beginning of May. Three hundred and eighty-five hours' overtime has been paid for since 20th January last, and a report has now been received detailing the further overtime worked by the clerical staff since that date. The question of making payment for the further overtime is being considered. The question of staff is already under consideration.