HC Deb 30 July 1930 vol 242 cc537-8W
Viscountess ASTOR

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether able-seamen candidates for rank of mate undergo a syllabus of full-time instruction in gunnery, torpedo, navigation, educational and other subjects before being commissioned, or whether they are promoted direct to acting-mate without preliminary training?

Mr. AMMON

Candidates selected for acting-mate do not undergo special courses before promotion to that rank. Before they are confirmed in the rank of mate, however, they undergo instruction in theoretical and practical navigation, mathematics, English, history, gunnery and torpedo.