Mr. DUNCANasked the Secretary to the Admiralty how many engine-room artificers of the different trades, fitter, coppersmith, boilermaker, have been entered in the Royal Navy for hostilities only from 1st November, 1914, to 1st November, 1918; can he say whether any of such men have been reported as inefficient or incapable of performing the duties required of them; if so, what steps were taken in the matter; and whether he can say what is proposed to be done with two men entered as coppersmiths at Portsmouth depot, who are now undergoing training in this particular trade, and what is to be their rating?
§ Mr. PRETYMANThe number asked for are between 5,000 and 6,000, of which the great majority are fitters and turners. There have been a few cases in which unsatisfactory reports have been received on the ability of such men, and the ordinary procedure in these cases would be to give them a further trial before considering the question of discharging them. There are two men entered as coppersmiths now undergoing such a trial at Portsmouth, and the result of the trial is expected shortly.