§ Sir BERTRAM FALLEasked the Secretary to the Admiralty how many chief writers have received the award Exceptional for ability, etc., since its introduction in 1911; and if, in view of Article 831, Clause 3, King's Regulations and Admiralty Instructions, the Admiralty proposes to take any and what steps towards accelerating the advancement of these petty officers to warrant rank?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAAs regards the first part of the question, to get the figures asked for would necessitate the examination of the records of all chief writers who are or who have been in the Naval Service since the year in question. I trust my hon. and gallant Friend will not press for this. As regards the second part of the question, the number of commissioned and warrant writers has been increased from fifteen to fifty-two since the outbreak of War, and more promotions to warrant writer will no doubt be made should the requirements of the Service need them.