§ 2 and 3. Sir CLEMENT KINLOCH-COOKEasked the First Lord of the Admiralty (1) whether he will give the number of stoker ratings serving in the Navy when war broke out, and the proportion of these ratings promoted during the 250 preceding twelve months to warrant rank as mechanicians; and (2) whether he is aware that advertisements are appearing on hoardings in London and elsewhere asking for stokers, on the ground that this rating is eligible for advancement to warrant commission and commission rank; whether stoker ratings are ineligible for any such promotion except as mechanicians; and, if so, whether he will cause the statement to be revised and the actual position stated?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Dr. Macnamara)The advertisement to which I presume the hon. Member refers indicates that, amongst other ratings, stokers are required for the Royal Navy, and gives their weekly rate of pay, besides free rations, as ranging from 11s. 8d. to 40s. 10d. in the case of chief stokers and 45s. 6d. in the case of mechanicians. It further states, in a footnote, that stoker ratings entered for continuous service are eligible for advancement to warrant, commissioned warrant, and commissioned ranks. The facts of the case are correctly represented, and I see no grounds for altering the advertisement. The respective numbers of stokers and mechanicians are based entirely on the requirements of the Service, and I do not think that any public purpose would be served by giving detailed figures; but, naturally, mechanicians and warrant mechanicians form but a small proportion of the large number of stoker ratings serving.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEIs it not the fact that no stoker in the Navy can obtain, as a stoker, warrant or commission rank?