§ 21. Miss Vickersasked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty what measures are being taken to improve the recruiting of electrical officers to the Royal Navy.
§ Mr. C. Ian Orr-EwingWe have just introduced more attractive conditions for short-service and medium-service commissions. There will be a greater variety of commissions available; a five-year short-service commission which can be extended up to ten years and a sixteen-year pensionable commission. In addition the upper age limit for entry has been raised.
§ Miss VickersDoes my hon. Friend think that the new conditions will attract people from industry? What is the lower age, and is there any marriage bar to entry?
§ Mr. Orr-EwingThere is no marriage bar to entry. The age limit has been raised from 36 to 39 and we seek to attract people from industry, to whom we give seven years' credit for suitable civilian experience and up to one year in addition for professional qualifications. This is a considerable incentive.