§ 14. Mr. Parkerasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he has been able to ascertain the number of ratings qualified professionally for sub-lieutenant; and, as 78 have passed the educational examination, whether he will inform all ships and establishments that the Admiralty desire a larger number of suitable candidates to come forward so as to increase the number of direct promotions to commissioned rank from the lower deck in order that larger numbers may be sent before the annual fleet selection boards to be held in the near future, because there is a general impression throughout the service that only a few lower-deck candidates are desired?
§ Sir S. HoareThe Admiralty has already sent a communication to all commands and establishments calling attention to the importance attached by the Admiralty to the success of the scheme for promotion to commissioned rank from the lower deck and is taking steps to investigate the reasons for the small numbers of ratings promoted. The information asked for in the first part of the question could only be obtained by inquiries of all ships and establishments in the Fleet. It would be of doubtful value, since the various professional qualifications which are required before a rating can be recommended to the Selection Board may be held by persons who are not suited, or are not candidates, for promotion.