§ 15. Mr. BARNESasked why there are only twenty-two engineer-lieutenants promoted from the engine-room artificer ranks, although a promise was made in 1903 that there should be thirty on a much smaller establishment; and whether vacancies have recently been filled by cadets after six months' engine-room service?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLTwenty-five lieutenants promoted from chief artificer-engineer are at present borne. This is the proper number according to the promise made in March, 1903, that promotions would be made in such a manner that the number of engineer-lieutenants thus advanced should not exceed 4 per cent. of the total number of chief artificer-engineers and artificer-engineers up to a total of thirty. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative.