§ 32. Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that the present circumstances offer a useful opening for a material increase in the employment of warrant writers for accountant duties; that dissatisfaction prevails amongst warrant writers owing to the vacancies in the accountancy branch being filled by the entry of civilians possessing little or no knowledge of naval accountancy; that it often happens that warrant writers have to instruct these civilians in their duties; and whether he can seen his way to meet the views of the writers who, after an existence commencing in 1860, are beginning to recognise that the future holds out to them no prospect of advancement except to a very minute portion of their class?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThis question received the careful attention of the Board of Admiralty three months ago, with the result that twelve chief writers were promoted to warrant rank. It is not proposed to make any further increase at present, but the question will not be lost sight of. I may, perhaps, refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to the Noble Lord the Member for Portsmouth on the subject on the 25th November last.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that great dissatisfaction has arisen in the ranks of the warrant writers because only twelve have been appointed?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAWe have appointed twelve.