§ 21. Sir B. FALLEasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty the average service engine-room artificers will have completed during the financial year 1923–24 before being promoted to chief engine-room artificer (second class); whether it will be possible for engine-room artificers promoted to chief engine-room artificers this year to become chief engine-room artificers (first class) before discharge to pension; and, if not, will he consider amending the Regulations to permit chief engine-room artificers (second class) to be promoted to chief engine-room artificers (first class) after two years' confirmed service in the former rating?
§ Mr. AMMONThe answer to the first of the question is 14 years 11 months. With regard to the second part, it is not possible to know in advance which particular ratings will be promoted this financial year, but it is anticipated that nearly all engine-room artificers advanced to chief engine-room artificers, second class, this year will become chief engine-room artificers, first class, before discharge to pension. With regard to the third part, it is not proposed to amend the Regulations.