Major Macphersonasked the First Lord of the Admiralty what is the present position as regards release of engine-room artificers; why the release of this class is so far behind that of seamen; what steps he is taking to bring it in line with that of other classes; and what is the estimated rate of release of groups in this class up to June, 1946.
Mr. AlexanderPresent arrangements provide for engine-room artificers up to age and service group 26 to be released by the end of this year. This is about four groups behind the average for the Royal Navy but only one behind seamen, petty officers and chief petty officers. The explanation is the shortage of engine-room artificers and the high proportion of men in this branch in the early age and service groups. I am hoping to ease the position by dilution and the training of new entrants, but this takes time. I will do all I can to speed up the release of men in this branch, but I regret I cannot forecast the rate of release up to June, 1946.
§ Mr. Prittasked the Minister of Labour whether he will now give directions that men who were transferred from the Navy in order to take up work in gasworks and were not informed that by accepting such transfer they would lose their 56 days' leave with pay at the termination of their service, shall have this leave with pay in due course, irrespective of the date of their transference or of whether they are entitled to be released from work at the gasworks when their age and service group comes due for release.
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsNo, Sir. I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Wimbledon (Mr. Palmer) on 9th October, a copy of which I am sending him.