Sir B.FALLEasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty upon what service the steamship "Kilmun" is engaged; whether he is aware that although the crew are civilians they are classed as petty officers and men, and are compelled to wear naval uniform when coming on and leaving duty, such uniform being provided at their own expense; and whether he will consider placing these men on a similar footing as all other naval ratings and grant them a kit allowance if they are compelled to wear uniform?
§ Lieut.-Colonel HEADLAMThe service is that of laying cables; when on duty and when proceeding to and from their ship the crew are required to provide themselves with and to wear uniform, which is not the same as but resembles naval uniform. These men serve under special conditions and receive special rates of pay, and I regret that the suggestion in the last part of the question cannot be adopted.