§ 31. Sir R. Youngasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that feelings of discontent exist among those employed as Air Fitters (L), Fleet Air Arm, owing to their lower rate of pay as compared with men of similar skill employed as Electrical Artificers, Fourth Class, Royal Navy; and why in the one case the pay is 6s. per day and in the other 8s. 3d. per day?
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty (Sir Victor Warrender)Air Fitters are not required to possess the same standard of technical skill as Electrical Artificers, and this explains the difference in their rates of pay. Long Service Air Fitters who reach the technical standard for Artificer are transferred to that rating on completing the necessary period of qualifying service. I have no reason to suppose that the position is not understood in the Fleet or that it causes discontent.