§ Sir R. Youngasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the numbers of engine-room artificers carried on ships of the Royal Navy on commission are to be reduced; whether the reductions will entail an increased period of service abroad for these ratings; and, if so, can he say the number of men that will affected by this new arrangement?
§ Sir S. HoareA small temporary reduction in the numbers of engine-room artificers borne in certain cruisers, battle cruisers and battleships has become necessary in consequence of the increased and accelerated programme of warship construction. It is not anticipated that these reductions will entail an increased period of service abroad for the ratings affected.