§ 8. Miss Vickersasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of the known shortage of qualified naval constructors, he will give consideration to the formation of an intermediate corps of officers with professional experience in the fields needed in Her Majesty's Dockyards.
§ Mr. DigbyRequirements for professional officers, both in the Dockyards and elsewhere, are at present under consideration by the Admiralty. A number of complicated and difficult issues are involved and proposals similar to that which my hon. Friend has in mind are being examined, but I can hold out little hope of an early decision.
§ Miss VickersIs my hon. Friend aware that his answer gives some satisfaction, but that my object in putting the Question was to point out to him that in private industry efficiency has been increased by extra supervisory staff? Will he try the same method in Her Majesty's Dockyards? Can he include this in the dockyard scheme in order that dockyard employees may have the benefit of the increased wages in industry?
§ Mr. DigbyThe question is being looked at in connection with the position in other departments in the Dockyards.