§ Mr. R. YOUNGasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what length of time on home service chief and engine-room artificers usually spent on home service after having been abroad for two or three years; whether he is aware that many of them are now, after two and a half years' service abroad, only allowed six months at home; and will he state the reason for this shorter period?
§ Lieut.-Colonel HEADLAMThe average length of time spent by engine-room artificers on home service after having been abroad is about two years, but in certain trades there is a temporary shortage which, for some few men, involves a considerable reduction on this average time. This temporary shortage is being rectified as recruiting permits.