HC Deb 23 May 1916 vol 82 cc1994-5W
Commander BELLAIRS

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that, exclusive of many hired vessels where the conditions of training of the engineer officers is difficult to determine, there are now in the Royal Navy six classes of engineer officers whose training has been under six different systems of entry, namely, the dockyards, Keyham, Osborne, civil life, and promotions from the engine-room artificer branch and from the stoker branch; whether he is aware that this state of affairs can be traced to the adoption of the scheme of training adopted in 1903; and whether the matter will be carefully watched with a view to the creation of a perfectly homogeneous engineering personnel when the opportunity offers after the War?

Dr. MACNAMARA

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The suggestion contained in the second part of the question is not in accordance with the facts. The question of training is one that is continually under the consideration of the Board of Admiralty.