§ 29. Lieut.-Commander Maydonasked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty if he will explain the conditions of entry into the Seamen's Supplementary List of the Royal Navy.
§ Mr. C. Ian Orr-EwingYes, Sir. Since August commissions have been available 383 for seaman duties in the Supplementary List. The age limits for entry are 17–23, and the educational qualifications are five "O" level passes in the G.C.E., including English Language and Mathematics, or equivalent qualifications. The commissions are for ten years with a tax-free terminal gratuity of £1,550, though officers may withdraw after five years with half this sum. Some officers will be accepted for permanent careers on the Supplementary List, or, exceptionally, on the General List. Officers will normally train for a year at Dartmouth and in the Dartmouth Training Squadron before joining the fleet. Ratings will be eligible to compete for entry on the same terms as candidates from civil life.
§ Lieut.-Commander MaydonWhile thanking my hon. Friend for that Answer, may I ask how many candidates have come forward so far, and also, what are the career prospects in this new officer entry to the Royal Navy?
§ Mr. Orr-EwingSixty have come forward so far for this seamen's commission. There will be provision for officers to be selected for permanent commissions on the Supplementary List with reasonable chances of promotion to lieutenant-commander and, for a few, commander and those who exceptionally transfer to the General List can rise to flag rank.