§ 8. Commander Maitlandasked the First Lord of the Admiralty what percentage of petty officers of the seaman branch, who are eligible, have elected to complete time for pension since January, 1946.
§ Commander MaitlandDoes not the hon. Gentleman consider that this is most unsatisfactory? Does he not consider that it is very largely due to the lack of inducement held out by the new pay code? How are we going to get senior petty officers in the Navy in future?
§ Commander NobleCan the hon. Gentleman say how it is proposed to raise these ratings in the future, in view of this rather disturbing figure?
Mr. DugdaleThere is a recruiting campaign now being carried on, and I hope the hon. and gallant Gentleman will do his utmost to support it.
§ Mr. James CallaghanCan the hon. Gentleman say why the percentage is as low as 27 per cent.?
Vice-Admiral TaylorIs this not a question of the inducements? How can any publicity campaign or recruiting campaign affect the matter if the conditions are not improved?
Mr. DugdaleConditions are considerably improved in many respects on those under previous Governments.
§ Major BruceWill the hon. Gentleman note the Opposition campaign for economies in this regard, when he considers this question?
§ Commander MaitlandCan the hon. Gentleman say how he thinks this recruiting campaign is going to help us in the provision of petty officers and chief petty officers in the Royal Navy in the immediate future?
Mr. DugdaleObviously, it cannot affect them in the immediate future, but I hope those people who are recruited will obtain rapid promotion and become petty officers and chief petty officers.