§ Mr. ASHLEYasked whether the age limit for stokers joining His Majesty's Navy has recently been raised from twenty-three to twenty-five years; and, if so, for what reason?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe age limit for stoker entries has been twenty-five since 1901; prior to this it was twenty-eight; but until recently it has been the rule that Admiralty authority should be obtained for the entry of any candidate over twenty-three years of age for continuous service. This rule has recently been suspended in view of the large number of stoker entries to be made this year.