§ 25. Major Sir B. FALLEasked the First Lord of the Admiralty when the gunnery, torpedo, and signalling courses for selected chief warrant officers who are seeking promotion to lieutenants will begin; if there are now any vacancies; and when any promotions may be expected?
§ Sir J. CRAIGIt is not yet possible to fix a definite date for the commencement of these courses. There will, however, be no delay in starting them as soon as the details of the courses and the standard of qualification required have been settled, and it is hoped to make an announcement on the subject shortly. The number of vacancies existing at present (excluding the enginering and shipwright branches) is 23. As I informed my hon. and gallant Friend in reply to a similar question on the 16th instant, it is the intention to make a selection from qualified candidates as soon as there is a sufficient number of such candidates available. Certain officers have passed the examination, but, so far as can be seen, the delay will not have any prejudicial effect.
§ Sir B. FALLEIs my hon. and gallant Friend aware of the Admiralty promise on the subject, and is he also aware that the average age of these men must be at least 43, and that every month is of great importance to them for their future pension?
§ Sir J. CRAIGEvery Admiralty promise will be fulfilled, and, as I stated in the answer, these men will not be prejudiced in any way.