Mr. T. WILSONasked the Secretary to the Admiralty if he is aware that men who 1377W joined the Royal Navy as carpenters on auxiliary cruisers at wages varying from £10 to £11 per month with 15s. bonus, have had their wages reduced to £10 per month and no bonus; and why this reduction has been made?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAIn August, 1916, standard rates were fixed for all men serving in commissioned fleet auxiliaries, the standard rate for carpenters being fixed at £10 per month with free mess. Men who were receiving less than the standard rate were then advanced to that rate on undertaking to re engage for service in any commissioned fleet auxiliary, and those who were receiving more were given the opportunity to re-engage at the standard rate, or to remain at their existing rate until they were relieved by men engaged at the standard rate. Special ratings, such as carpenters, were, in many cases, allowed to be permanently retained at their existing rates on the recommendation of the commanding officer. The standard rates have now been increased by £2 10s. per month, and carpenters will therefore in future receive £12 10s. per month with free mess.