§ 26. Sir Robert Youngasked the First Lord of the Admiralty what length of training the special repair ratings (D) undergo; what will be their rank on board ship; and who will be made responsible for supervising their repair work?
§ The First Lord of the Admiralty (Mr. A. V. Alexander)I welcome the opportunity which this Question affords me of giving a few particulars of a scheme which is already proving of such value to the Admiralty and to the country. Special Repair Ratings (D) are entered under the National Service Acts from appropriate civilian occupations, and need no more training than a five weeks' disciplinary course. They do not serve at sea except when on passage, but their grading corresponds to that of ordinary naval ratings, according to their trade. Thus, for instance, an engine fitter becomes an engine-room artificer, acting 4th class. Men subsequently considered suitable to take charge may be advanced to chief artificer rating, as required. Supervision 1719 above the rank of chief artificer will be supplied by officers of the dockyards, holding suitable naval commissions.
§ Sir R. YoungI am very much obliged to the right hon. Gentleman for his answer, but is he satisfied that he is doing the right thing by rating these men in this way?
§ Mr. AlexanderThe urgent need of the Navy is to have the skilled workers at once available at dockyards. In many places we are taking for this purpose men who have very good industrial qualifications. I am sure my hon. Friend would not want that to be discouraged.