§ MR. JOWETT (Bradford, W.)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether the Board are prepared to introduce into the Navy the principle of promotion exclusively by merit; and, if so, when do they propose to abolish the automatic promotions each year from the Royal Yacht.
§ THE CIVIL LOED OF THE ADMIRALTY (Mr. LAMBERT,) Devonshire, South MoltonPromotion in the Navy is determined exclusively by merit, and the special promotions from His Majesty's Yacht are no exception to the rule, as only officers who merited promotion are appointed to her.
§ *MR. BELLAIRS (Lynn Regis)Is not promotion from the Royal Yacht automatic and not by merit, and is the hon. Member aware that it has been officially stated in this House that in the ten years ending 31st December, 1905, forty-three commissioned officers of the executive branch have been thus automatically promoted?
§ MR. LAMBERTNo. Promotion in the Navy is exclusively by merit.