§ 8. Mr. HOHLERasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that there are twenty-three leading stokers serving on His Majesty's ship "Chatham" of whom at least twelve are qualified for the rank of stoker petty officer; will he state what is the average length of service of the men so qualified, and whether the prospect of promotion for these men to stoker petty officer is about four a year; if so, will he state whether this congestion is general in the Navy; and what steps he proposes to take to improve these conditions and realise the promises held out by recruiting posters?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI am advised that there is no congestion in the advancements to stoker petty officers, and leading stokers are being advanced after about two years' service in that rating, provided they have passed and been recommended for the higher rating. Our information does not show that there are any leading stokers in His Majesty's ship "Chatham" who come within this category.
§ Mr. HOHLERWould my right hon. Friend make further inquiries, and ascertain whether it is a fact that it will take two or three years for a man who now stands ninth or tenth on the list to get promotion?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAOn that point I have said our information does not show. My hon. Friend knows that in the matter of promotion and other matters it is the men's duty to put their case to their commanding officer.
§ Mr. HOHLERIs my right hon. Friend aware that this has been brought before the commanding officer, and that no redress has been given?
§ Dr. MACNAMARANo, Sir.