§ Sir W. Smilesasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that many officers over 33 years of age who joined the R.N.V.S.R. and trained at their own expense, have been penalised for their patriotism by losing seniority and promotion compared with officers of the same age who joined the R.N.V.R. after the outbreak of hostilities; and will he inquire into the position and take the necessary steps to remedy this injustice?
Mr. AlexanderPrior to the war men whose peace-time activities made them suitable were invited to forward their names to the Admiralty as being willing to be called upon to serve with the R.N.V.R. in commissioned rank in the event of a national emergency. Following interview and selection these men's names were recorded and the list so compiled was known as the Royal Naval Volunteer Supplementary Reserve. Its members held no rank or seniority and were required to undertake no training. Prior to mobilisation, members of the R.N.V.S.R. could withdraw their membership by notifying the Admiralty. On the outbreak of war, the R.N.V.S.R. was discontinued, and its members were granted commissions as temporary officers in the R.N.V.R., coming under all regulations governing that reserve. No promotion facilities open to R.N.V.R. officers generally have been withheld from these officers.