§ 25. Mr. HOGGEasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will undertake that no artificial barrier will be placed in the way of the promotion of any officer in the Royal Marine Artillery Howitzer Brigade simply because he has joined for the period of the War?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI am afraid my hon. Friend is under a misapprehension. No barrier is placed in the way of officers as regards promotion Officers are promoted according to their merits and the requirements of the Service.
§ Mr. HOGGEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that in this particular brigade mentioned in my question no officer who has joined temporarily for the period of the War is entitled, by order, to rise above a certain rank?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThat is by order?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe question of promotion in the Royal Navy and Marines is naturally one for the Naval and Marine authorities. I will, however, look into the point. I am quite certain there is no barrier, and that officers are promoted according to their merit and the requirements of the Service.
§ Mr. PRINGLEWill the right hon. Gentleman inquire into the special circumstances of the case? Undoubtedly the information is given that promotion is withheld.
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI will certainly do that.
§ Colonel YATEAre temporary lieutenants holding appointments as adjutants in the Royal Marine Artillery eligible for promotion as captains?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI should like to have notice of that question.
§ Mr. PRINGLENo, they are not.