HC Deb 21 March 1911 vol 23 cc369-70W
Mr. SHIRLEY BENN

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will inform the House if the Admiralty Circular Letter, No. 54, N. 12,122, of 15th December, 1910, has been brought into operation;

if not, what is the cause of the delay; and whether he will take steps to ensure that it shall be brought into operation without further delay?

Mr. McKENNA

As stated yesterday, in my reply to the hon. Member for Devon-port, the improved scale of pay for ship's stewards ratings was brought into operation on 1st January last. Steps are being taken for the advancement of ship's officer rating of second ship's steward, but it is important that the claims of eligible candidates, wherever serving, should receive careful consideration in respect of their qualifications and suitability for advancement, and when a new rating is being introduced the selection of the men to be advanced must necessarily take time.