§ MR. BELLAIRS (Lynn Regis)To ask the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, 1197 on a survey of the paymaster's branch of the Navy, together with the few prospective retirements on account of age before 1920, and allowing a reasonable margin for deaths and voluntary retirements, there is reason to believe that the seniority of assistant paymasters will by 1920 have increased to a grave extent, thus arresting the equal and steady flow of pro motion which Mr. Childer's Order in Council of 22nd February, 1870, was designed to promote; and what steps the Board intends to take to improve the prospects of these officers.
(Answered by Mr. McKenna.) The seniority of assistant paymasters on promotion is at the present time under nine years, which is less than it was a few years ago. It will be time enough to consider what steps should be taken when the necessity arises; but it may be remarked that the twelve officers at the top of the list did not obtain their promotion to paymaster's rank under about sixteen years seniority.