HC Deb 20 July 1916 vol 84 cc1188-90
71. Mr. FLAVIN

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether an immediate increase in the numbers of commissioned and warrant writers can be made so as to allow fully qualified and highly recommended chief writers to obtain promotion to warrant rank before reaching the age for pension, and by this means to retain the services of efficient and reliable men which otherwise are lost to the State?

Dr. MACNAMARA

During the last eighteen months five officers have been promoted to commissioned writer, and the number of warrant writers has been increased from fifteen to forty-seven, the total number of officers of this branch having thereby been increased from fifteen to fifty-two. Twelve promotions to warrant writer were made on the 1st May It is not contemplated making further promotions at the present time.

Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how many men have been taken from outside?

Dr. MACNAMARA

Not without notice.

Mr. FLAVIN

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the average age of the warrant writers promoted was forty-one, and does he expect the same amount of efficiency at the age of forty-one, when a man has done twenty years' service?

Dr. MACNAMARA

I cannot say, without notice, what the average age is.

Mr. FLAVIN

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the average age. of a man when he joins is twenty-one, and does he think that after twenty years' service he will find the same amount of efficiency at forty-one as he would if the men were promoted at from twenty-five to thirty years of age?

72. Mr. FLAVIN

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the numbers of chief writers who have served in the Royal Navy for upwards of twenty and fifteen years respectively, who are recommended and in all respects eligible for warrant writer, but have not yet. been promoted to that rank?

Dr. MACNAMARA

The number of chief writers who are now serving and have been recommended as being in all respects eligible for the rank of warrant writer, but not yet promoted to that rank, is as follows:

Having served upwards of 20 years 46
Having served upwards of 15 years (not included in above) 71
Mr. FLAVIN

Are there not between 100 and 150 men eligible for promotion at the present time?

Dr. MACNAMARA

There are 117 who have been recommended for promotion.

Mr. FLAVIN

When will the promotion take place?

Dr. MACNAMARA

As opportunity arises.