§ Sir T. BRAMSDONasked the Parliamentary Secretary of the Admiralty the average age of petty officers promoted to the ranks of gunner, gunner (T), and boatswain; and how does this compare with the average age of chief writers promoted to warrant rank?
§ Mr. AMERYNo promotions to gunner, gunner (T), and boatswain have been made since 1918, but if promotions were resumed now it is anticipated that the average age of promotion would be about 32 in the case of gunners, 29 to 30 in the case of gunners (T), and 34 in the case of boatswains. The average age of promotion of chief writer to warrant writer would be 39 to 40, if promotion were resumed now. There can, however, be no comparison between the ages in the former cases and in that of chief writers, since if a candidate for gunner or boatswain reaches the age of 35 before being selected, he is removed from the roster, while a chief writer remains on it until he is pensioned.