§ 42. Commander Nobleasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty how many transfers from continuous service engagement have taken place since the inception of this transfer scheme; and what percentage they represent of the numbers involved.
§ The Parliamentary and Financial Secretary to the Admiralty (Mr. James Callaghan)Approximately 3,500. This if 71 per cent. of the number eligible.
§ Commander NobleAlthough this system may be a very good recruiting aid, will the Minister give great consideration to this problem in view of the shortage of senior ratings there may be in the next few years?
§ Mr. CallaghanYes, Sir, but the hon. and gallant Member will realise that if they transfer to this special service engagement it does not necessarily mean that they will leave the Service when their seven years expires.