§ Mr. C. DUNCANasked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether there are any Departmental reasons against retired engineer-lieutenants (promoted from chief artificer-engineers) who have been called up for naval duties for the duration of the War being promoted to engineer-lieutenant-commanders, in the same way as are lieutenants who formerly held the rank of chief gunner, chief boatswain, and chief carpenter, the engineer-lieutenant, chief artificer-engineer, being the only ranker lieutenant compelled to pass an examination before he can be promoted to lieutenant-commander's rank?
620W
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe examination referred to by my hon. Friend is imposed in view of the fact that such examination is one of the necessary conditions of advancement to the rank of engineer-lieutenant-commander (active list). The professional examination is so constituted that it should be passed without difficulty by any officer who has the knowledge necessary for the higher rank. My hon. Friend will, I am sure, agree with me that the Admiralty should be satisfied that officers in charge of machinery possess the requisite professional knowledge.