HC Deb 10 June 1931 vol 253 cc1022-3W
Mr. HORE-BELISHA

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many shipwright officers are due for retirement between the years 1931 and 1937 on account of the age clause?

Mr. ALEXANDER

The total number of shipwright officers due for retirement on account of age during the period 1931–1937 inclusive is 80.

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that the cessation of promotion of shipwrights to the rank of warrant shipwright is re-acting to the detriment of shipwright ratings who have qualified for promotion to warrant shipwrights for many years past; and whether, as this tends to discourage this branch of the service, he will restore this promotion?

Mr. ALEXANDER

The question of making promotions to warrant shipwright pending absorption of the surplus of shipwright officers is under consideration.

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the number of shipwright-lieutenants borne can be maintained at 11 during the years 1931–32?

Mr. ALEXANDER

It is estimated that after the next retirement for age on 17th June next, which will not create a vacancy, 10 shipwright-lieutenants will be borne for the remainder of 1931 and during 1932, including one shipwright-lieutenant who is supernumerary to the list.