§ 9. Mr. ROWLANDSasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that the Admiralty is refusing to appoint assistant-paymastens over thirty-five years of age; can he say why the age is fixed so low; and will he consider the advisability of altering the age to at least forty-five, as there are men now being called up who are unfit for active service, but whose experience and training fully qualifies them for such positions?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI should explain to my hon. Friend that candidates are not eligible for the office of assistant-paymaster, Royal Naval Reserve or Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, unless they are in Grade 3, or totally rejected for military service, or invalided from the Army. We have not so far appointed any such men over the age of thirty-five, except in exceptional circumstances, because we have plenty of applicants below that age.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKECan the right hon. Gentleman say when that order was issued?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI could not say off-hand.
§ Mr. ROWLANDSCan objection be taken to the employment of a person in Grade 3 who is over thirty-five years of age?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI have no doubt there may be exceptions where a man over thirty-five years of age is suitable for the appointment.
§ Mr. ROWLANDSIs a man in Grade3 who is over thirty-five years of age debarred from being appointed?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI do not know that there is any rule to that effect.