§ Sir B. FALLEasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether the port division numbers of leading sick-berth attendants allowed for the financial year 1925–26 has been reduced by 50; and, if so, whether any reason can be given for this serious reduction of leading rates in a branch where promotion always compares most unfavourably with other branches, observing that promotion from sick-berth attendant to leading sick-berth attendant is now practically at a standstill?
Mr. DAVIDSONThe number of leading sick-berth attendants allowed for the financial year 1925–26 has been reduced by 49. The principal reason for the reduction is the change whereby dental attendants in harbour establishments, who were formerly leading sick-berth attendants, are being replaced by civilians.