21. Viscountess ASTOR (for Mr. HORE-BELISHA)asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that leading men have always been entitled to nine days' leave with pay on occasions when they choose; and that since the week's leave with pay has become applicable to all dockyardmen the leading men have become obliged to take their leave at the fixed period; and whether he will take steps to remove the disadvantage under which they labour at present as compared with the option they previously enjoyed?
Mr. ALEXANDERThe grant of leave to all classes of Admiralty employés has always depended on the exigencies of the service, and the week during which the dockyards are closed is, from the standpoint of the Admiralty, the most convenient time to grant a week's leave to all employés, except those who are required to maintain essential services. The position of the leading men is not different from that of similar classes of workmen and of salaried dockyard officers.