§ Major HORE-BELISHAasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty when it is intended to bring the warrant rank in line with the new proportions tabulated on pages 68 and 69 of the Navy 783W List of April, 1924, observing that gunners, boatswains, signal-boatswains, telegraphists, shipwrights, ordnance, electricians and schoolmaster branches are considerably below complement, and that the proportions allowed by the Order in Council of 28th November, 1923, carry with them an increased number of lieutenants?
§ Mr. AMMONAs stated in the note at the top of page 67 of the Appendix to the Navy List, the numbers shown are the maximum numbers allowed in each branch, and are not necessarily the numbers borne on the active list, which depend upon requirements. The numbers borne in several branches named are also limited by the number of candidates qualified for promotion to warrant rank, and in the schoolmaster branch by the numbers which can be entered and trained. The number of officers of the rank or equivalent rank of lieutenant is governed by the total number of officers borne, and, in certain of the branches named, is also subject to provision being made, under the arrangements in force, for promoting a proportion of officers to this rank at an earlier age after examination. The number of headmasters is limited by the number of posts available which are suitable for officers of this rank.