23. Viscountess ASTORasked the First Lord of the Admiralty what is the number of promotions to the rank of gunner made in any given year; and whether there is likely to be further promotion to this rank in the near future?
Mr. ALEXANDERThe total number of gunners and officers promoted there-from in His Majesty's Navy is determined by the requirements of the Fleet and promotions are only made in vacancies. Owing to reductions in Fleet requirements no promotions were made in 1929 but they have now been resumed. Eight promotions were made to date 1st April, and it is anticipated that further promotions will be made in the next few months.