§ 2. Mr. Willisasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether, in view of the fact that a mechanician I and engine room artificer 3 both rank as chief petty officers and have similar periods of experience as engineers, he will increase the basic pay of the engine room artificer 3 to that of the mechanician I.
Mr. WardNo, Sir. The basic pay of the artificer 3rd class, with trade pay in addition, is the same as the basic pay of the mechanician 1st class, who is not eligible for trade pay until he acquires comparable skill with the artificer. It 1302 normally takes about three years for the mechanician to obtain the full trade pay of 1s. 6d. a day which is automatically payable to all engine room artificers 3rd class.