§ Mr. BELLAIRSalso asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what was the date of the last entry of armourer ratings into the Navy; whether the Board will continue the existence of a body of men who have been of such utility to the Navy; and, if so, whether, having regard to the fact of the number of ratings who have successfully passed the examinations for higher rating and are now waiting for promotion, the Board will improve the position and prospects of these men?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe last entry was made in 1904. The reason why entries have been suspended since that date is that the numbers of the Armourer Class are in excess of the requirements of the present Fleet. There is no present intention of dispensing with this branch of the naval service. The position of the Armourer Class has received the consideration of the Admiralty, and steps were taken early this year to relieve the block of advancement so far as was considered necessary at the moment. The matter will not be lost sight of in the future.