§ 33. Mr. KELLYasked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty the number of naval ratings who have been employed on His Majesty's Ship "Coventry" while this vessel was under, an A.D.2 refit; and the type and class of work upon which they were engaged?
Mr. ALEXANDERThe following naval ratings have been employed in His Majesty's Ship "Coventry," during the large refit, which is due to complete at the end of May next: 418 Permanent Care and Maintenance party:
One engine room artificer, one chief stoker, two stoker petty officers, and four stokers for care and maintenance of machinery.
Two petty officers and 10 ratings for 27 weeks, employed chipping, scraping and painting.
Four engine room artificers for nine weeks employed opening out machinery.
Fourteen stoker ratings for 20 weeks, cleaning oil fuel tanks and storerooms. Removing gear to lay apart store.
§ Mr. MARKHAMDoes not the right hon. Gentleman regard this as an extension of the work normally done by naval ratings?
Mr. ALEXANDERNo. I have most carefully inquired into this case, and this is just the kind of work which it is regarded as essential that naval ratings should be continually trained in.