§ 23. Mr. R. LAMBERTasked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware of the very slow rate of promotion as it now exists in the sick-berth staff, more especially in the Portsmouth and Devon-port divisions; whether he is aware that it takes seven years for a sick-berth attendant to reach the rating of second sick-berth steward, twelve and a half years to reach that of sick-berth steward, and seventeen and a half to eighteen and a half years to reach that of chief sick-berth steward; and whether, in view of the fact that in consequence of this much pay and pension is lost and considerable discontent thereby engendered, he will cause a Committee to be appointed on similar lines to that granted in April last to the writer branch to hear the representatives of the sick-berth staff, in order that their grievances may be brought before the Board of Admiralty, and, so far as possible, remedied?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Dr. Macnamara)The slowness of promotion in this branch is fully recognised. But, of course, advancement must be governed by the actual Service needs of the various grades. The question, however, whether any adjustments are practicable which would result in an acceleration of the advancement of sick-berth ratings is now receiving careful consideration, and an officer has been specially detailed to investigate the possibilities, and report at an early date.
§ Mr. LAMBERTWill the right hon. Gentleman consider the question of allowing a similar inquiry to be held into this case as was hold in the other case?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAYes; I have looked at that carefully and I have consulted the authorities. Here is an officer of the medical branch who will be expeditious. On the whole, I think this is the best way of dealing with it.
§ Mr. LAMBERTHow long will it be before there will be a decision?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThere will be no avoidable delay. I will do my best to accelerate it.