HC Deb 26 January 1955 vol 536 cc128-9
5 and 6. Mr. G. Thomas

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty (1) the number of naval schoolmasters ranking as lieutenants; and whether he is aware of the continued demand for an adjustment of seniority in these cases;

(2) what consideration has been given to the adjustment of seniority of naval schoolmasters, in view of the 1952 scheme; and whether he will make a statement.

Mr. J. P. L. Thomas

Thirty-six, Sir. As I informed the hon. Member for Cardiff, South-East (Mr. Callaghan) on 30th June, 1954, a further 26 selective promotions to instructor lieutenant-commander have been authorised in addition to those permissible under the scheme of 1946. I have received no further representations on this subject since I gave that answer, and I have nothing to add to the statement I then made.

Mr. G. Thomas

May I, therefore, assume that the First Lord feels that all rankling injustice is removed, because some of these people are still writing to their appropriate professional organisations complaining about the scheme to which he has referred?

Mr. J. P. L. Thomas

None has reached me. I feel sure that if representations are made to hon. Members of the House they will, in the course of their normal duty, send them on to the Admiralty.

Mr. Emrys Hughes

Would the right hon. Gentleman tell us whether any of these schoolmasters are qualified in domestic economy, and whether he will consider appointing one to the "Britannia"?

Mr. Thomas

These schoolmasters, I am assured, are thoroughly proficient in every way and cope with every subject, but there is no need to appoint one to the ship which the hon. Gentleman has mentioned. I may add, in consolation to the hon. Member for Cardiff, West (Mr. G. Thomas), that by 9th February, 1956, all ex-schoolmasters, with one possible exception, are likely to have been promoted to instructor lieutenant-commander.