HC Deb 14 May 1930 vol 238 cc1884-5W
Mr. T. LEWIS

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the number of lieutenants (ex-mate) commissioned since 1920 who had specialised in gunnery, torpedo,, navigation, war staff duties, signals, wireless telegraphy, and anti-submarine branches; the length of time spent at Greenwich College by sub-lieutenants and mates, respectively, and whether the study of languages is included in the syllabus for both classes of officers; the prizes open to sub-lieutenants and mates in the various courses for the rank of lieutenant; and the minimum period in which a sub-lieutenant and mate can be promoted to the rank of lieutenant, respectively?

Mr. ALEXANDER

As regards the first part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to his question on 9th April [OFFICIAL REPORT, Column 2157–8].

(2) Acting sub-lieutenants spend two terms at the Royal Naval College, Greenwich, and acting mates spend one term there.

(3) Acting sub-lieutenants receive instruction in English and French, while acting mates receive instruction at Greenwich in no language except English.

(4) Acting sub-lieutenants who obtain five first class certificates in the examinations for the rank of lieutenant are eligible for an official prize of £10. Acting mates do not participate in these prizes. In addition, acting sub-lieutenants are eligible to compete for certain private prizes, the conditions of which, however, are governed by the Trust Deeds instituting the prizes.

(5) A sub-lieutenant can be promoted to lieutenant with a minimum seniority of one year one month; the minimum seniority for the promotion of a mate to lieutenant is two years two months.

(6) As regards (2) and (3), there is no direct parallel between the sub-lieutenants' instruction at Greenwich and the mates' instruction. Owing to the differences in their previous training, the sub-lieutenants' course is much more general and the mates' more directly professional.

As regards (5) the mean period from acting sub-lieutenant to lieutenant is the same as from acting mate to lieutenant. The acting mate is confirmed as mate with his original seniority; the acting sub-lieutenant is not.