§ Sir R. Keyesasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that leading sick-berth attendants have to wait until they have served three years as such before they can be advanced to sick-berth petty officer; and, as there are at present a number of sick-berth petty officers required but no leading sick-berth attendants available for promotion owing to the waiting period, whether the waiting period can be reduced to two years?
§ Mr. ShakespeareAt present leading sick-berth attendants have to serve a minimum of three years in that rating before promotion to sick-berth petty officer. The question of reducing this period is under consideration.