§ 41. Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will consider the advisability of promoting naval writers to the position of assistant paymasters during the War and permit them to retire when peace is concluded, if such a course be considered necessary; and whether this reform could be introduced under conditions similar to those adopted in the case of men promoted from the ranks of the Royal Marines?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAAs to the question of promotion, this has for some time past engaged, and is now engaging, the attention of the Admiralty. At this moment I cannot carry the matter further. Permission to retire on the termination of hostilities is, however, not contemplated, nor could such a course be proposed, though the Regulations framed provide for optional retirement at the discretion of the Admiralty at the age of forty, and all those likely to be promoted to assistant paymaster will have reached that age. Furthermore, it is not anticipated that they will wish to retire.