§ Sir CLEMENT KINLOCH-COOKEasked whether he was aware of the block that has occurred in the ratings of carpenters' crew and leading carpenter's crew in the Royal Navy; that men qualified for several years for advancement to the higher ratings are unable to get their step; that the position has been aggravated by boy shipwrights, entered for training in previous years, being automatically advanced to shipwrights, thereby still further increasing the block for others; and whether he will consider the advisability of making such arrangements as will enable men who have passed their examination for leading carpenter's crew and shipwright to receive their higher rating within a reasonable time after they have become qualified?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe case of the ratings referred to by the hon. Member received the very careful consideration of the Admiralty, and, having regard to all the circumstances, they decided to authorise a certain number of special advancements of men holding such ratings. Orders have been given on the 23rd June for all men of these ratings with very good record who were then qualified for advancement and had completed eight years' service in their present grade, to be advanced specially to the next highest grade. These advancements are in addition to the ordinary advancements to fill vacancies.