§ Major HORE-BELISHAasked the First Lord of the Admiralty what is the average time served in each of the following grades of the sick-berth branch of His Majesty's Royal Navy, respectively, namely, sick-berth attendants, leading sick-berth attendants, sick-berth petty officers, and sick-berth chief petty officers?
Mr. DAVIDSONI am afraid it is not possible to state the average time served without a disproportionate amount of clerical labour. Sick-berth ratings advanced during the quarter ended 31st December last served on an average 8'55 years, 6.67 years and 6.65 years in the rating of sick-berth attendant, leading sick-berth attendant, and sick-berth petty officer, respectively. The hon. Member will realise, however, that these figures depend on the state of the advancement roster, and are continually varying.
§ Major HORE-BELISHAasked the First Lord of the Admiralty when he anticipates that the temporary shortage of 11 in the numbers allowed for sick-berth staff in the Royal Naval Staff Hospital, Plymouth, will be made good, seeing that some curtailment of the leave of the sick-berth staff has resulted, apart from the difficulties which must arise from such a shortage of skilled attendance?
529W
Mr. DAVIDSONIt may be some little time before the shortage can be made good as the entries required to complete the additional numbers voted are spread over the financial year and after entry require to be trained.