§ 11. Major Sir B. FALLEasked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he is aware that certain promotions were promised under the Hyde-Parker scheme and that a number of officers have successfully passed the various examinations required, but that it has been considered necessary for these gentlemen to undergo certain further courses in gunnery, torpedo, signals, etc., before they can obtain the rank of lieutenant; if he can say why 1233 some eight months has been allowed to pass since the last examination before such courses are even started; if he is aware that such delay must prejudicially affect these officers; and if he will look into the matter?
§ Sir J. CRAIGThe intention of the Admiralty to formulate a scheme by which commissioned officers from warrant rank might qualify for earlier promotion to lieutenant by selection was announced with other changes affecting the warrant officer classes in September, 1918. In January, 1919, the scheme of examinations was promulgated to the Fleet, and the announcement clearly stated that candidates would be required to pass examinations in gunnery, torpedo and signals. It is, therefore, not the fact that these subjects did not form part of the original scheme of examination but were added afterwards.
The consideration of the details of the courses and examinations in these three subjects has taken some time in view of the changes resulting from war experience and the necessity of arriving at a standard which, while being within the capabilities of prospective candidates, will be sufficiently high to justify special promotion. It is hoped to announce the details shortly. Promotion is by selection, and it is the intention to make the first selection when there is a reasonable number of qualified candidates available.
§ Sir B. FALLEIs it not a fact that certain officers have already passed this examination up-to-date, and is my hon. and gallant Friend aware that this delay of eight months must prejudicially affect these officers and their pensions?
§ Sir J. CRAIGI think my hon. and gallant Friend is correct in saying that some officers have passed, but I do not think there will be any prejudicial effect.