14. Mr. TYSON WILSONasked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether, seeing that acting sick-berth stewards do the same work and have the same responsibilities as active sick-berth stewards, he will say why they are not paid at the same rate?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe acting sick-berth steward belongs to the Sick-berth Reserve, and has, I am advised, neither the training nor knowledge possessed by the Active Service sick-berth steward. He is not therefore expected to perform the same work as the latter.
Mr. WILSONIf the right hon. Gentleman is furnished with evidence that he is doing exactly the same work and has the same responsibility will he look into the matter?
§ Dr. MACNAMARACertainly. I am advised that he is not expected to perform the same sort of work. If the hon. Member will give evidence to the contrary I will go into it.
15. Mr. WILSONasked the Secretary to the Admiralty if he is aware that men who were members of the St. John's Ambulance Society or the Red Cross Society at the time they joined the Navy as sick-berth attendants were told that the uniforms of either of their societies would be all they required, but that after joining they were ordered to get naval uniform and badges; that they had to pay for these themselves; and whether it is proposed to reimburse these men for this expenditure?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe kit requirements of the Royal Naval Auxiliary Sick-berth Reserve attendants are fully set out in the Regulations for their service, of which I am sending my hon. Friend a copy, and I am advised that no orders have been issued in any way contravening those Regulations. If my hon. Friend has any specific cage in mind, I shall be happy 381 to have it inquired into and will communicate with him. In so far as the men referred to are required to purchase articles not already in their possession, they receive a gratuity of £6 on being called up, and also an annual upkeep allowance of £6.