§ Mr. Masonasked the Postmaster-General if he is experiencing any difficulty in recruiting petty officers and seamen to man the cable laying ships and what steps he is taking to make this a more attractive service.
§ Miss PikeThere are a few vacancies in the lower grades but generally there is no great difficulty in recruitment, Petty officers are in general promoted from the lower ranks. As regards the second part of the Question, I am examining whether there is any evidence which suggests that the service needs to be made more attractive and will write to the hon. Member.
§ Mr. Masonasked the Postmaster-General if he is satisfied that he can recruit a full complement of experienced 229W petty officers and seamen to undertake all the deep sea cable-laying operations now planned; and if he will make a statement.