§ MR. SLOAN (Belfast, S.)To ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that an examination for engine-room artificers Reserve was held in the Custom House, Belfast, during the present year, that seven out of the eleven candidates were successful, that three were called for training and returned on 29th October last, and that the remaining four were informed that they would be called upon to relieve the former three; and whether, in view of the fact that this has not been done, he will state the reasons for the delay.
(Answered by Mr. McKenna.) The hon. Member gives a correct statement of the 373 case in the first part of the Question, except that the remaining four men were not informed that they would be called upon to relieve the former three. The number of candidates who have passed for entry as probationary engine-room artificer, Royal Naval Reserve, is at present in excess of vacancies, and it has not, therefore, yet been possible to enter them all. Passed candidates take their turn for appointment (as vacancies occur) in the order in which they made application for entry.