§ 21. Mr. PRIVETTasked the First Lord of the Admiralty the actual number of fifth-class artificers who were recently drafted from the "Fisgard" to naval establishments for 12 months' service afloat to qualify for fourth-class certificates; whether he is aware that, notwithstanding that they had signed for 12 years' service, they have received compulsory notice of discharge in 30 days and are thus deprived of their certificate of efficiency to secure employ- 464 meat in the position for which they have trained; and will he consider the advisability of reinstating these men until they have completed at least a further year's service in order that they may not add further burdens to the Exchequer by way of unemployment benefit, for which they have been informed in their discharge notices they are eligible?
§ 29. Major Sir BERTRAM FALLEasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will consider the retention of the engine room artificers, fifth class, who left the "Fisgard" in January last for another 12 months in order that they might leave the Service fully trained instead of being partially trained as at present?
§ 32. Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will consider the possibility of transferring the engine-room artificers, fifth class, who have been so unexpectedly discharged from the Royal Navy and can find no other employment, to the Air Force?
§ Commander EYRES-MONSELLI am pleased to be able to announce that the Air Ministry have expressed their willingness to take over a large number of the surplus engine-room artificers, fifth class, provided suitable terms of transfer can be arranged.
§ Sir B. FALLEWill the Financial Secretary answer that part of my question relating to the retention of the engine-room artificers or say what will happen to them?
§ Commander EYRES-MONSELLIf they are not taken over by the Air Ministry, they will be in the same position as everybody else who has had to be discharged, but they have the advantage of a strong recommendation