§ 27. Lieut.-Colonel Sir Thomas Mooreasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty how many commissions from the lower deck have been granted in the various sections of the Royal Navy during the six months ended 30th June; and how this figure compares with the same period in 1939.
Mr. DugdaleThe following direct commissions from the lower deck were granted during the six months ended 30th Tune, 1947:
| Executive Branch | 2 |
| Air Branch | 3 |
| Supply and Secretariat Branch | 3 |
| Engineering Branch | 8 |
§ In the executive branch an upper yardmen's course was begun in the autumn of 1938 and 24 ratings were promoted on the 1st September, 1939, or an average of 12 during the six-monthly period. In the engineering branch six ratings were promoted to commissioned rank during the first six months of 1939. Promotions from the lower deck to commissioned rank in the Air and Supply and Secretariat Branches did not begin until 1941 and 1942 respectively.
§ Sir T. MooreIs the hon. Gentleman satisfied with this rate of progress backwards under the Socialist Government?
Mr. DugdaleWe are naturally not satisfied that there should be so few who have succeeded in passing this examina- 1447 tion. I hope that the number will be increased. It may interest the hon. and gallant Gentleman to know that 47 sat. I hope that we shall have a better result in future. We must keep the standard up.
§ Commander MaitlandHow many have been promoted to commissioned rank from warrant rank in the period in question?