§ 23. Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that the steam mooring vessel "Recovery," attached to the Devonport Dockyard, is constantly employed on out-port duty; that such employment is regarded by the master, mate, engineers, and crew of the vessel as a special hardship, seeing that they are only paid the same amount as other men in the yard craft; and whether he can see his way to relieve the men on the "Recovery" every two years, so that they may enjoy the opportunity of seeing their wives and children oftener than is possible in existing conditions?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe "Recovery" is very largely employed on out-port duty. The statement in regard to the wages of the crew of this vessel does not take account of the fact that each man receives 1s. a day extra whilst he is employed away from his home port. The whole question of the hours, wages, and conditions of the Yard Craft Service generally is at present under the consideration of an Admiralty Committee.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEIs it not the fact that the Admiralty have rather advanced the policy that the men should be employed in port as far as possible?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAWhether that be so or not, these men do receive a shilling per day extra now when they are away from their home port. The whole question of the rates and service generally is now under consideration.