Lieut.-Commander Gurney Braithwaiteasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that in many cases the advancement of convoy signal ratings is being unduly delayed owing to the loss or mislaying of their service papers in depot; that some who have passed for leading signalman are still drawing the pay of ordinary signalmen for the same reason; and whether he will authorise the issue of duplicate papers in cases where there has been a delay of three months or more?
Mr. AlexanderSome delay in tracing the papers of convoy signalmen is often unavoidable, in view of their frequent changes of base. In only three cases, however, has this delay been substantial. The man's advancement is, of course, always antedated and arrears of pay made up. As soon as the loss of papers is established duplicates are prepared, but I818W should prefer not to bind myself to the time limit suggested by my hon. and gallant Friend.