§ Mr. HOHLERasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that many of the higher rates on the establishment have been left unfilled during the period of suspension; and whether he will be careful to see, on the establishment being reopened, that the men already on the establishment shall be preferred to hired men in regard to these higher rates?
§ Mr. McKENNAIt cannot be said without detailed inquiry whether such is the case or not. The suspension of the establishment has not prejudiced the advancement of men who are already established to the higher rates of pay. The men already on the establishment will be fully considered when such vacancies as may occur in the higher rates are filled up.