§ 11. Sir T. BRAMSDONasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that three vacancies exist for paymaster-lieutenants promoted from commissioned writer, and for one commissioned writer; and when it is intended to fill these vacancies in view of the fact that no amendments have been made in the provisional establishment of these ranks, and that in May, 1921, the Admiralty considered that it would be equitable to the writer branch to adhere for the present to the arrangements for the provisional establishment of commissioned writers and paymaster-li utenants promoted from that rank, laid down in Admiralty Monthly Order 3,018A of 1918, rather than to make any immediate change in the numbers allowed?
§ Mr. AMERYOn the basis of the establishment for the Writer Branch given in Admiralty Monthly Order 3018a of 1918, three vacancies exist for paymaster-lieutenants and one for a commissioned writer. This establishment, however, was a provisional establishment laid down for the period of the War and is now subject to reconsideration. The Admiralty are aware that it was stated in May last that promotions would be continued for the present, but very drastic reductions in the Fleet are now in contemplation, which must inevitably reduce the requirements of personnel generally. In view of the changed conditions, the Admiralty can no longer continue to make promotions in vacancies until the whole question of the numbers of the branch has been considered.