42. Sir H. DALZIELasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether temporary assistant paymasters of the Royal Naval Reserve attached to ships in commission are unable to obtain promotion although doing responsible and good work; whether the Regulations do not permit of promotion being given; and whether he will take steps to amend the Regulations so as to permit of capable and deserving officers who are temporary assistant paymasters receiving promotion?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe necessary steps have already been taken to obtain authority for the advancement of temporary assistant paymasters of the Royal Naval Reserve and regulations on the subject will shortly be issued.
43. Sir H. DALZIELasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty have recently granted a commission as tem porary assistant-paymaster, Royal Naval Reserve, to an individual who had no previous experience of the Navy, and appointed him to His Majesty's ship "Mars"; whether this newly appointed officer holds the same rank and draws the same pay as those who offered their ser vices at the commencement of the War; and whether he is aware that the man's appointment has been received with feelings of dismay among officers of the Royal Naval Reserve who joined up voluntarily in 1914?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe officer referred to in the first part of the question cannot be identified from the information given. As regards the remainder of the question, all officers entered as assistant paymasters, Royal Naval Reserve, hold the same rank until they attain four years' seniority and draw the same rate of pay, and it cannot be admitted that any feeling should arise because a temporary officer in 1917 should be entered under the same conditions as temporary officers who were entered in 1914.