§ Sir T. BRAMSDONasked the Secretary to the Admiralty if he is aware that the crews of dockyard tugs did not receive extra remuneration for salvage services on Government-owned or chartered vessels prior to 2nd June, 1916; that the war advances were not included in the percentages until 23rd October, 1918; and that, while tugs' crews were paid 50 per cent. on wages only during the time the vessel was in the danger zone, the dockyard salvage party received 100 per cent. for weekdays and 200 per cent. for Sundays, plus 3s. 4d. per day subsistence allowance, for the whole time the operations were in progress, and if he will, under the circumstances detailed, favourably entertain the advisability of considering the claims of the crews for bonuses?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe facts are as stated in the question. Under their conditions of employment, yard craftmen serve with their vessels as the exigencies of the Service may require; and they are required as a matter of course to work their craft in rendering any assistance which may be necessary for the safety of His Majesty's ships and vessels. In the case of dockyard workmen, work in connection with salvage operations which involves their entire removal from their ordinary place of work becomes of a character which these workmen are not expected to undertake in the ordinary course of their employment, and special rates of remuneration have therefore been provided for volunteers for the salvage service. The matter referred to in the last part of the question is under consideration.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the officers and crews of yard craft whose duty took them into danger during the War will be recognised in the same manner as men of the Mercantile Marine?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe claims to recognition of officers and crews of yard craft whose duty took them into danger during the War will not be overlooked.