§ Lord C. BERESFORDasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether leading carpenters' crews who have passed for shipwright cannot attain that rating for years, although these men are continually recommended by their captains for advancement; whether he is aware that leading carpenters' crews can only become petty officers through the shipwright rating; and whether he can see his way to remedying this state of affairs?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe replies to the first and second parts of the question are in the affirmative. With regard to the third part, in common with other artisan classes, leading carpenters' crews and carpenters' crews have suffered from a temporary block in promotion owing to the numbers in the higher grade being in excess of requirements. Their position in the matter of advancement is considered periodically, and such steps are taken to accelerate promotion as are practicable with due regard to service requirements. Orders have recently been given for the special advancement to higher grade of such of these ratings as have over eight years' service in their present grade and are qualified for such advancement, provided they can show an unbroken "very good" record both for character and ability.