§ Mr. BARNESasked the Secretary to the Admiralty if he is aware of the fact, and can he explain why, that A. C. James had failed to pass examination for mechanician at Chatham in June and October last, and had been again allowed to take part in a third examination in December; and if the eleven who failed in the last-named examination will also be given a second and, if not then competent, a third opportunity of qualifying?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAA. C. James failed for the rating of mechanician in June, 1912, and was put back for three months; he failed to reach the required standard when then re-examined, and was put back for another three months, and passed for the rating in December. Each individual case of failure at the end of the course of training for mechanician is considered on its merits, and in the light of reports from the instructing officers as to the prospect of the man becoming an efficient mechanician. Of the men who failed at the recent passing-out examination in December, three have been put back for six months, and will be re-examined at the end of that time; the remainder have been discharged from the training establishment.