HC Deb 16 March 1938 vol 333 cc391-2
13. Mr. Sorensen

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can now give information respecting the number of serving commissioned officers who have risen from the ranks; the number of commissioned officers who have been promoted from the ranks during the past 10 years; and what percentage this represents?

Lieut.-Colonel Llewellin

The number of serving commissioned officers who have risen from the ranks is 986. This figure is 16 per cent. of the number of serving commissioned officers. The number of commissioned officers who have been promoted from the ranks in the last 10 years is 919. The term "commissioned officer" has been used throughout as including commissioned officers from warrant rank.

Mr. Sorensen

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman satisfied with this percentage?

Lieut.-Colonel Llewellin

Yes, Sir. The scheme of promotion from the ranks has been made use of last year. I intend to make a statement on the subject during the Estimates Debate to-morrow.

Mr. Sorensen

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman really satisfied with the fact that 84 per cent. of the officers are not drawn from the rank and file but recruited only through what are, after all, financial channels?

Lieut.-Colonel Llewellin

I think this matter had better be discussed during the Debate to-morrow.