§ Mr. Parkerasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will state the number of officers entered from the mercantile marine into the permanent list of the Navy in the executive and accountant branches; the number of commissions awarded to lower-deck ratings in these branches early in their careers last year; and the numbers so far entered and to be entered this year from the mercantile marine and to be commissioned from the lower deck?
§ Mr. ShakespeareThe numbers of executive and accountant officers transferred from the Reserves to the Royal Navy in 1937 were 125 and 30 respectively. The latter figure includes officers from the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. Ninety-eight executive officers have been transferred this year and the number under consideration makes it probable that the total will be about 120. No accountant officers are being transferred this year. Thirteen seamen ratings were promoted to acting sub-lieutenant in 1937. Selections for this year have not yet been made.