§ 8. Mr. Willisasked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he is aware that under the postwar code of pay and allowances, it is possible for a fully qualified chief engine room artificer, promoted early during his service, to receive less total pay, including increments and badge allowances, than a first-class engine room artificer; and if he will take steps to remedy this anomaly.
Mr. DugdaleThis position may arise in rare cases if the 1st Class E.R.A. has some 14 years' longer service than the Chief E.R.A. I do not consider that the position calls for special treatment.
§ Mr. WillisIs it not the case that a man who becomes a chief engine room artificer two or three years before the completion of 12 years' service may be in the position of receiving less pay than a first-class artificer who has possibly got 15, 16 or 17 years' service? Would the hon. Gentle-man look into this matter again as it does indicate the comparatively low rate of pay which these chief artificers are getting?
Mr. DugdaleI do not mind looking into the matter, but, in fact, this very rarely happens, and I do not think that it is possible for alterations to be made.
§ Commander MaitlandIs the hon. Gentleman not aware that very hard work is required to attain the position of a chief petty officer; that it is from these younger ratings that we get chief petty officers; and that by his action he is entirely preventing them from coming forward?