25. Viscountess ASTORasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether his attention has been drawn to the method about to be put into practice by the office Committee of the Draughtsmen's Association for the reduction of temporary draughtsmen in His Majesty's Dockyard, Devonport; and why the reduction is not being based, as it other yards on the examination list of second-class draughtsmen held in 1923?
Mr. DAVIDSONThe system force in his Majesty's Dockyard, Devonport, by which, when reductions of temporary draughtsmen are effected, individuals are chosen to revert, has been in operation for about two years. It was adorned by the Admiral Superintendent after consultation with representatives of the staff interested and by agreement. I see no reason for s disturbing an arrangement so arrived at. I would point out. that office committees have not, as the Noble Lady appears to assume, any executive powers, which rest entirely with the Admiral Superintendent.