§ 11. Mr. HORE-BELISHAasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether a decision has now been reached regarding the holding of new examinations for promotion in His Majesty's dockyards?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Lieut. Colonel Headlam)A syllabus for a new examination for second-class draughtsmen is being considered in consultation with the staffs and others concerned. It is hoped to make an announcement shortly. As regards other grades, the matter is still under consideration.
§ 12. Mr. HORE-BELISHAasked the First Lord of the Admiralty, with reference to the promotion of warrant ship wrights, whether he will consider determining the position of candidates on the roster for promotion by their total actual period on the roster?
§ Lieut.- Colonel HEADLAMCandidates for warrant shipwright are placed on the promotion roster upon, and in the order of, becoming eligible to take the dockyard course; the date of becoming so eligible is that on which they pass the preliminary technical test, this being the final condition of eligibility for the dockyard course. The present practice 479 is, therefore, in effect, the same as is suggested by the hon. Member.
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAIs the Parliamentary Secretary aware that people who pass these examinations subsequently obtain seniority on the roster, and thus put back those who have passed earlier and have not been promoted?
§ Lieut.- Colonel HEADLAMI am not sure that I understand what the hon. Member means, but the practice is as I have stated.