§ 26. Sir B. FALLEasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that artificer apprentices now leaving H.M.S. "Fisgard" are being in formed that instead of being rated engine-room artificers, fourth class, with the status of chief petty officer on the completion of their seagoing training as engine-room artificers, fifth class, they will be rated engine-room artificers, fourth class, with the status of petty officer; and, seeing that this is a breach of the pledges given and of Paragraph 3, Clause 4, of A.F.O. 2859/1925, will he look into the question?
Mr. DAVIDSONI have no reason to think that the Fleet Order is being misinterpreted. Artificer apprentices who 1408 were serving as such on the 4th October last are, of course, not affected by the new rule regarding status. If my hon. and gallant Friend will give me particulars, steps will be taken, if necessary, to remove any misapprehension on the subject.