§ MR. PIERPOINT (Warrington)I beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty whether a sub-lieutenant, who at Greenwich and Portsmouth has obtained two first classes and three second classes, receives no earlier promotion than one who has passed third class in all five examinations?
§ THE FIRST LORD OF THE ADMIRALTY (Mr. G. J. GOSCHEN,) St. George's, Hanover SquarePromotion of sub-lieutenants is not governed, as the honourable Member appears to think, by classes only, but also by the marks which 649 they obtain in the various examinations. An officer who obtained the classes referred to in the Question might or might not get earlier promotion than another who obtained no class higher than third class, according to whether his class in seamanship and marks in navigation came up to the prescribed standard. Certain changes in the present conditions of promotion of sub-lieutenants have, however, been proposed by the Committee on the Training of Junior Naval Officers, which are now under the consideration of the Board.
MR. GIBSON BOWLESMay I ask when the right honourable Gentleman anticipates being able to announce to the House the decision of the Committee?
§ THE FIRST LORD OF THE ADMIRALTYI will give it at the earliest possible time. The work done is very heavy.