§ Mr. C. DUNCANasked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether further consideration be given to the need for substantial increases in pay for the chief artificer engineers, artificer engineers, and the chief and engine-room artificers, so as to equalise the rates of pay to that received by shore-working engineers?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given on the 16th 1763W August last, regarding the pay of the engine-room artificer class, to the Member for Devonport. Since that time, as my hon. Friend is aware, these ratings have shared in the general increases made in the pay of the men of the Fleet, receiving as chief petty officers an addition of 5d. a day. As regards chief artificer engineers and artificer engineers, their rates of pay are as follows:
In comparing these rates with the earnings of shore-working engineers, my hon. Friend must bear in mind the several considerations in the way of board, lodging, uniform, separation allowance, allotment concession, and pension rights, which differentiate the case of the Service from the civilian engineer. He will be glad to know that a Committee has recently been appointed which will consider, amongst other things, the question of the pay, promotion, etc., of chief artificer engineers and artificer engineers.
Per day. Artificer engineers: On promotion 8s. 6d. After 5 years' service 9s. 6d. " 10 " 10s. 6d. Chief artificer engineers: On promotion 11s. 6d. After 2 years' service 12s. 0d. " 4" 12s. 6d. " 6 " 13s. 0d. " 8 " 13s. 6d.