§ 63. Mr. C. DUNCANasked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether a decision regarding the increases of pay to the clerical staffs of His Majesty's dockyards and naval establishments has yet been arrived at; whether the terms can be communicated to the House; and, if a decision has, not yet been reached, can a date be given when it may be expected?
§ Dr. MACNAMARASo far as the members of the permanent clerical staff are concerned, the matter referred to in my hon. Friend's question is still under consideration. I am unable to say on what date the decision will be announced, but I hope that a settlement of the question will be reached shortly. For temporary members of the clerical staffs the following rates have been approved: At the West India Docks and Deptford, 30s. a week, rising to 35s. a week after a month's satisfactory service. At the Naval Ordnance Depot, Woolwich, 26s. to 30s. a week on entry, with gradual rises for approved service up to a maximum of 38s. a week; subject only to the condition that not more than 25 per cent. of the staff shall be on rates in excess of 30s. and not exceeding 34s. a week, and not more than 25 per cent. on rates in excess of 34s. a week. At Naval establishments outside the London and Woolwich area, 27s. a week on entry with a rise of 5s. a week for not more than 25 per cent. after six months' service.