§ 63. Mr. PETOasked the First Lord of the Admiralty what is the number decided upon of mercantile marine officers required for the permanent staff of the Navy; what has been the number of applications received; how many officers of the mercantile marine have already been appointed; and when does he propose to issue the full list of mercantile marine officers thus appointed?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of ADMIRALTY (Dr. Macnamara)The number of officers of the Royal Naval Reserve required for the Supplementary List of the Royal Navy at present is forty. The number required eventually has not been decided and depends on the requirements of the Fleet. The number of applications from eligible candidates is ninety-seven, and the number already appointed is thirteen. The names of officers appointed are published in the Press and in the "London Gazette" as entered, and the full list will appear in the Navy List.
§ 64. Mr. PETOasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether those officers of the mercantile marine now being appointed as lieutenants in the Royal Navy will not at any time for a period of fifteen years in this rank receive more than 16s. per day as a maximum without messing allowance, with the hope of promotion only in the case of exceptional service; and, if so, whether he will reconsider this matter of emoluments and promotion in respect to the officers referred to?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe maximum rate of full pay for lieutenants on the Supplementary List of the Royal Navy will be 16s. a day. They will not be paid messing allowance. They will be eligible for promotion for exceptional service. In addition to full pay they will be eligible for command money if appointed in command, and for senior lieutenant's allowance if appointed in that capacity. The answer to the latter part of the hon. Member's question is in the negative.