HC Deb 19 March 1919 vol 113 cc2071-2
13. Sir CLEMENT KINLOCH-COOKE

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that an order has recently been issued to the effect that seamen and Royal Marines over six months' seniority are to be allowed to turn over to stokers, first class, with seniority to count; whether he is also aware that the practice has hitherto been that a man has to enter the service as a stoker, second class, and to complete twelve months' training before he can be advanced to stoker, first class, and further that a stoker is not considered efficient before he has completed at least three years of service as stoker; is he also aware that the new order is creating dissatisfaction in the stokers' branch, seeing that, unless modified, serious accidents are likely to happen for which the chief petty officers in charge will be held responsible, badges will be lost, and financial deductions made; and whether, in view of the facts stated, he will consider the advisability of reconsidering the order?

Dr. MACNAMARA

Transfers of seamen and Royal Marines to stoker ratings have been authorised to meet a shortage of the latter ratings, and in order not to discourage such transfers men are not required to pass through the grade of stoker, second class, but are to be rated acting stoker, first class. Such men will not, however, be confirmed as stoker, first class, until they have obtained the professional qualifications for that rating. Until they are qualified their drafting and employment will be under the same conditions as have hitherto applied to stokers, second class, and there is no ground for the fears of serious accidents referred to in the third part of my hon. Friend's ques- tion. I may add that orders which are being issued provide for the advancement of all stokers, second class, now serving to the rating acting stoker, first class.

Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a stoker is not qualified for a first-class stoker until he has had three or four years experience?

Dr. MACNAMARA

I say that until they are qualified their drafting and employment will be under the same conditions as stokers, second class.

Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

What is the good of the rule?

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