asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he will consider appointing a committee to investigate the conditions of service and promotion of the Royal Naval sick berth staff?

The conditions of service and promotion of the sick berth branch, as of other branches in the Royal Navy, is constantly kept under consideration and I do not consider, therefore, that the committee proposed by my hon. and gallant Friend is necessary.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether progressive pay for the sick berth branch can be brought into line with other branches of the Navy, and awarded after three years service and six years service in the sick berth staff?

Progressive pay is already granted to the sick berth branch, but in this branch it is not possible to dispense with the examination in professional efficiency as a qualification for the grant of progressive pay.