§ MR. ARTHUR O'CONNORasked the Secretary to the Admiralty, Whether certain Assistant Paymasters of the Royal Navy have served as much as fourteen or fifteen years in their present rank; and, whether the greater part of such service is not allowed to count for increase of pay, half-pay, and retirement as Paymaster until after eleven years' Service in the higher rank?
§ MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANYes, Sir; it is the case that the senior assistant paymasters have served 14 and 15 years in their rank. I am glad to say, however, that the prospects of promotion are at present somewhat more favourable than they have been. With regard to the hon. Member's second Question, he correctly states the rule of the Service on the subject.
§ MR. ARTHUR O'CONNORI should like to ask whether it is the intention of the Admiralty to make any alteration in the position of the officers or in their pay?
§ MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANNo, Sir; there is no such intention at present.
§ MR. ARTHUR O'CONNORThen I shall bring up the matter on the first occasion on the Estimates.