§ 3. Mr. TICKLERasked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he is aware of the dissatisfaction existing amongst the skippers and crews of mine sweepers on account of their not receiving hard-lying money, and that only the officer in charge and one petty officer receive this pay, whereas on torpedo boats all ratings receive this pay; and if he will institute inquiries into this matter with a view to the extension of this allowance?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe skippers and crews of mine sweepers are in receipt of a special rate of pay, which has been fixed with particular reference to the conditions in those vessels. They are, therefore, not entitled to hard-lying money, which is only payable to officers and men of the general service employed in the sweepers and in receipt of ordinary naval rates, which are considerably lower than the rates payable to the rest of the crews employed exclusively in this special service.
§ Mr. W. THORNEMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he can give any good reason why there should be extra pay to the chief officers, and that the men who do all the hard work should not get the same?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAWell, that does not arise out of the question; but if my hon. Friend cares, I will discuss the matter with him.
§ Mr. THORNEThat is what it amounts to.
§ Mr. JAMES HOPEDoes the right hon. Gentleman know anybody in the British service who has a right to receive a reward for "hard lying"?
§ Dr. MACNAMARANot in the sense that the hon. Gentleman means.