§ 24. Major Sir BERTRAM FALLEasked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many ratings of the seaman branch were promoted to mate; how many ratings of the engineering branch were promoted to mate E during 1925; and whether any 1407 extension of promotions to these ranks is contemplated in order to provide greater facilities for promotion of naval ratings to commissioned rank?
Mr. DAVIDSONFive ratings of the seaman branch and five ratings of the engineering branch were promoted to mate or mate (E) during 1926. At present, all qualified candidates for mate who are considered to be suitable for promotion are being taken, but should a greater number of suitable candidates come forward, it will probably be found possible to increase the number of promotions somewhat. The number at present promoted to mate (E) is amply sufficient to meet requirements, and no increase is anticipated. I do not think, if account is taken of the number of promotions to warrant rank, which amounted to 49 during 1925, that the amount of promotion accorded to engineering ratings can be said to be unsatisfactory.