§ Sir T. BRAMSDONasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether, in view of the reply given to Item 57 of the 1919 Welfare Requests, the Admiralty will sanction an improved pattern collar and long tie for Class I of the Royal Navy?
§ Sir T. BRAMSDONasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that, contrary to the reply given to Item 56 of the 1919 Wel- 52W fare Requests, native ratings (Goanese and Seedies) on the East Indies Station continue to wear the uniform of chief and petty officers of the Royal Navy; and whether the necessary Orders will be issued to prohibit the wearing of such I uniform, as this matter is a source of dissatisfaction to the chief and petty officers of the Royal Navy?
§ Mr. AMERYIt is understood that Request No. 56 was prompted by the fact that during the War uniform was worn by native ratings at home ports. The Admiralty reply clearly refers to this practice, and it is not intended to prohibit the wearing of naval uniform by native ratings on foreign stations.
§ Sir T. BRAMSDONasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty when it is expected a reply will be given to Item 65 of the 1919 Welfare Requests which was advanced in December, 1919, observing that another year's assessment of ability has been made and that the present system is disliked by the men of the Royal Navy?
§ Mr. AMERYIt has been decided to adhere in the main to the present Regulations for assessments of ability, but steps are being taken, in conjunction with a revision of the rules governing advancement, to improve the working of the existing system. The preparation of the new Regulations is being proceeded with as rapidly as possible with the reduced staff available, and it is expected that they will be promulgated in a few months' time.