19. Mr. HOREBELISHAasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether any naval ranker officers qualified for promotion under the scheme for accelerated advancement are now available for the 1 per cent. of commanderships open to those who have taken the courses for such early promotion; and, if so, if it is the Admiralty's intention to put the scheme into operation in regard to such officers of the military branch?
Mr. ALEXANDERThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part of the question, promotion is by selection and each case will be considered on its merits.