HC Deb 02 February 1944 vol 396 cc1259-60
26 and 27. Captain Cobb

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty (1) whether flying time counts as sea-time for purposes of promotion for naval officers;

(2) whether war-time executive staff appointments count as sea-time for purposes of promotion for naval officers.

Mr. Alexander

All service in a ship of war at sea as defined in King's Regulations and Admiralty Instructions, including employment on flying duties, counts as sea-time for the purposes of promotion of Executive Officers. In the case of Executive Officers who, owing to essential war requirements, are retained for prolonged periods in shore appointments, the Board of Admiralty has given an undertaking that such service will not adversely affect their chances of promotion to Commander or Captain provided that they have the minimum periods of sea-time laid down in King's Regulations and Admiralty Instructions.