§ SIR GILBERT PARKER (Gravesend)I beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the Government will consider the advisability and propriety of granting to officers and men of the Royal Naval Reserve a long-service and good-conduct medal; and whether he will consider the advisability of granting to trained men of the Royal Naval Reserve a higher rank than that at present given of A.B. or stoker.
§ MR. McKENNAThe grant of a decoration to the officers of the Royal Naval Reserve and of a medal to the men is still under consideration, but it is hoped to make an announcement on the subject at an early date. Under the regulations for the new system of training, a limited number of seamen and stokers, Royal Naval Reserve, not exceeding two per cent. of each class, are eligible for advancement to the ratings of leading seamen and leading stokers, Royal Naval Reserve, subject to the conditions for promotion laid down in the Royal Naval Reserve regulations.
§ SIR GILBERT PARKERMay I assume that the matter is under favourable consideration?
§ MR. McKENNAI hope to make at an early date an announcement which I trust will satisfy the hon. Member.