§ 23. Mr. Hardyasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the current policy in the Royal Navy towards promotion to commissioned rank from the lower deck.
§ Mr. JuddThe Royal Navy attaches the greatest importance to keeping open as many avenues as possible for the promotion of suitably qualified ratings to commissioned rank in the Royal Navy. Any rating who meets the appropriate age and educational standards may compete on equal terms with candidates from civil life for entry to the General and Supplementary Lists. Other promising young ratings who do not have the necessary educational qualifications may be selected to attend full-time academic courses to enable them to qualify for promotion to officer. Older ratings between the ages of 25 and 34 with the necessary experience and qualifications can apply for promotion to the Special Duties List.