§ 31. Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEasked what is the position of the casuals in His Majesty's dockyards with regard to the badge recently issued to men employed in a civil capacity; is he aware that so far these men do not appear to have received the badge; and will he say whether it is intended to give them it?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe War service badge referred to has been authorised for issue to the permanent officers and workmen employed in His Majesty's dockyards and naval establishments, and is not intended to be issued to casual workmen who are not placed on the dockyard books. Regarding the reference to casual workmen, I may take this opportunity of saying that it has been the policy of the Admiralty to reduce the amount of casual employment as much as practicable, even in the field of coaling labour, where the demands vary very considerably from time to time.