§ Mr. DUNCANasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that naval ratings in considerable numbers are being employed painting and cleaning ships, other than commissioned ships, namely new construction and ships having no nucleus crews aboard: and why, seeing that this practice is contrary to Article 463 of the professional officers' instructions, it has been sanctioned by the Admiralty?
§ Lieut. - Colonel HEADLAMNaval ratings are not being employed painting and cleaning new construction ships. On other ships they are employed on such work, as far as practicable, in accordance with Admiralty Regulations.