§ 7. Mr. Willisasked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty what proportion of artificers, re-engaging for pension during the last twelve months for which figures are available, had reached chief's rating before re-engagement.
§ Mr. C. Ian Orr-EwingI assume that the hon. Member's Question refers to chief artificers, although all artificers from 3rd class and upwards are paid at the chief petty officer level.
An artificer may re-engage for pension at any time within the last four years of his twelve-year engagement. During the twelve months up to September, 1959 the proportion of artificers who had become chief artificers before executing re-engagements for pension was 8 per cent. Of those who actually commenced their re-engagements for pension during this period, 14 per cent, were chief artificers.
§ Mr. WillisDoes not the fact that they attain this rank fairly early in their careers demonstrate the necessity for a master rate?
§ Mr. Orr-EwingIt would not be true to say that, outside the E.R.As., they all obtain this rank early in their careers. The question of a master rate is a more complicated one, which ought not to be lightly dealt with by way of supplementary questions and answers.