This Subhead provides for the pay of Civilians (except those provided for in Subhead G) employed for Fleet duties in connection with the services mentioned in the text of the Estimate. The majority are Naval pensioners and all are on the hired list.

Rates of pay are determined by the Admiralty, according to the class of work and the conditions of employment generally. In deciding the rate to be paid, Dockyard and Naval rates or current local rates are taken into consideration where applicable to the circumstances of the case. The minimum wage is the same as for adult labour in the Dockyards.

Casual Civilian labour employed by the Admiralty in connection with launching ceremonies, the removal of ashes from ships and similar work is provided for in Vote 11, Subhead Z.

As indicated in the body of the Vote, Civilians are employed in the Naval Barracks, at Rifle Ranges, Training Establishments, the Submarine Depot, Detention Quarters, &c. They are employed as signallers, telephone operators, postmen, markers, caretakers, messengers, porters, groundsmen, mess attendants, sweepers, swimming bath attendants, and in a variety of other capacities.

The crews of the Ferry Steamers and Fleet Service Tugs required for attendance on vessels in Reserve, &c., are entered as Civilians and paid for from this Vote.

Provision is also made for Dental Surgery Attendants at Fleet Establishments; for Civilians employed at W/T Stations; for the employment of Civilian interpreters abroad; and for the Civilian personnel of the Boom Defence Service when under Naval, as distinct from Dockyard, supervision.

H-CIVILIANS-WAGES, &c.