§ 53. Sir B. FALLEasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he is aware that the post-war establishment of lieutenants promoted by examination from gunners is 4 per cent. of the whole number or 40; that there are at this moment only six such lieutenants; that there are therefore 34 such lieutenants too few instead of surplus; and the full allowance of 40 cannot be reached for many years; and if he will reconsider the compulsory retirement of these officers?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Mr. Amery)It has never been in contemplation to lay down a separate establishment for lieutenants promoted from commissioned gunner after examination, the Regulations providing only that, as a general 535 rule, one-half the number of promotions will be confined to these officers. No specific posts will be laid down for them, and no question can arise, therefore, of there being a surplus or deficiency, apart from any surplus or deficiency in the total numbers allowed. The Admiralty, moreover, upon general grounds, do not think it desirable to make a distinction between these officers and lieutenants promoted for long and zealous service in applying the conditions of the special retirement scheme, and, having regard to all the circumstances, they are unable to make an exception to those conditions in this case.