§ Mr. MARKHAMasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that in instructions recently issued (Appendix 17, volume II of King's Regulations) alterations have taken place in that acting engine-room artificers, fourth class on entry, need not be engine-fitters, whereas before the alteration any applicants between the ages of 21 to 28 had to be engine-fitters; and whether such new entries who are not engine-fitters are considered to be capable of watch-keeping duties on board?
Mr. ALEXANDERNo alteration has been made to the appendix of the King's Regulations and Admiralty Instructions quoted by my hon. Friend respecting be entry of fitters as acting engine-room artificers. Instructions have been given that an additional qualification as turner, which is not laid down as necessary in the appendix to the Regulations need not be insisted upon. The last part of the question does not, therefore, arise.