§ Major HORE-BELISHAasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty with reference to the recent advertise- 2132W ment for third writers and victualling assistants wherein it is stated that ratings of these classes who had served during the War would be allowed to deduct their War service up to four years from their age, in order to render them eligible for the examination, whether he is aware that the majority of men who did serve during the whole of the War are now 30 years of age or over, and that the four years' deduction still leaves them disqualified on account of age; and whether he can see his way to allow the deduction of a greater number of years when calling for entries in the future, in order that those who served during the War may have an opportunity of re-entering the Royal Navy?
§ Mr. AMMONThe concession referred to by the hon. Member is designed to ensure that the deduction from age allowed shall be approximately equivalent to the actual War service of the individuals concerned. There have been a sufficient number of examinations for the ratings referred to since its promulgation in 1919 to afford the men in question ample opportunity for entry under these conditions. I regret, therefore, that I can hold out no hope of the extension suggested.