HC Deb 07 March 1923 vol 161 cc469-70
38. Mr. A. T. DAVIES

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether his attention has been directed to the uneasiness which prevails in the lower deck ratings of the Navy owing to the lack of opportunities for promotion; whether he is aware that large numbers of men of proved ability have no chance of promotion; that many men have been discharged at the climax of their careers during the past two years, and that wardroom officers who had risen from the ranks have figured prominently in recent compulsory discharges; and whether further discharges are to be made at the close of this month.

Mr. AMERY

The large surplus of officers on the list has naturally and unavoidably prejudiced the chances of promotion to a great extent during the past few years, but the effect of the reductions which have been made will be to remove these surpluses entirely and thus restore the flow of promotion, though necessarily not to the same extent as before the War owing to the reduced total establishment of officers. All the retirements which were cue to be made in the warrant officers branches were completed last year and promotion to gunner and gunner (T) was resumed in November. No further retirements of lieutenant ex-mate are contemplated, although a few already selected have not definitely left the active list but will do so before the 31st March. These retirements will not effect the next selection for mate, which is not due to take place until December next. I may add that, at the last selection in December, 1922, six candidates were selected and this number would have been greater had a sufficient number of qualified and recommended candidates who were suitable for promotion come forward.