§ Sir B. FALLEasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether the Ring's Regulations and Admiralty instructions admit of an active-service rating borne in the complement of one of His Majesty's ships employing at his own expense a civilian to assist him to perform his duties, as is done by the mess-man of His Majesty's Ship "Furious"; and whether, in view of the possible consequences of an extension of this employment of civilians in His Majesty's ships, he will take action to prevent it?
§ Lieut.-Colonel HEADLAMThe Ring's Regulations and Admiralty Instructions426W do not prohibit the employment of a civilian assistant by an officer's messman. The proceeding is unusual, except on the china station, where it has been for many years the customary practice and has caused no difficulties. If results detrimental to the Service appeared likely to occur consequent on the practice becoming general, the necessary action would he taken to put an end to it.