HC Deb 09 July 1930 vol 241 cc401-2
12. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many lieutenant-commanders (ex-mate) were in the promotion zone at the time of the last half-yearly promotions; and how many were promoted to the rank of commander?

The FIRST LORD of the ADMIRALTY (Mr. A. V. Alexander)

20 lieutenant-commanders (ex-mate) were in the promotion zone on 30th June last, one of whom was promoted to the rank of commander.

21. Captain W. G. HALL

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the number of lieutenants (ex-mate), commissioned since the revised pay regulations of 1925, who receive less pay per annum than lieutenants (ex-cadet) who are junior to them, and the difference per annum?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the Admiralty (Mr. Ammon)

The answer to the first part of the question is 13 and to the second part £33 approximately.

20. Mr. MOSES

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can state the dates of the first promotions to mate and mate (E), together with the number of each branch commissioned to 31st December, 1919, remaining on the active list, promoted to commander's rank or higher, and who have compulsorily retired since 11th November, 1918, under retrenchment schemes or due to having reached the age for compulsory retirement, respectively; and will he also state at what strength it is intended to keep the executive mate branch of officers, observing that for some years the retirements have exceded the selections, or whether it is intended to let this branch die out?

Mr. AMMON

As the reply contains many figures, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

The reply is as follows:

Date of first promotions to the rank. Mates. Mates (E).
14th February, 1913. 1st November, 1914.
Number given commissions to 31st December, 1919. 363 149
Number of above still on Active List. 54 99
Number of above promoted to rank of Commander or higher. 5 20
Compulsory retirements among above since 11th November, 1918. 53 16
Retirements (age) 22 19

After the War it was hoped to maintain the number of executive officers (ex mate) at about 100. The falling off in numbers is due to the small number of candidates coming forward, and all those qualified have been promoted.