HC Deb 30 July 1923 vol 167 cc1057-8W
Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the number of writer ratings who have qualified educationally and professionally for warrant rank to date, and the number of writer ratings who have been promoted to warrant rank during the last three years; and whether he will take steps to assist these writers by appointing warrant writers to all ships with a complement of 600 or over or to ships on which no accountant officer is borne?

Major BOYD-CARPENTER

Fifty-two chief writers are now qualified educationally and professionally for promotion to warrant rank; but figures are not available of the number of writers other than chief writers so qualified. Two writer ratings have been promoted to warrant rank during the last three years. Up to August, 1922, however, there was a surplus of officers in the branch and no promotions were made. The present number of warrant writers and above is sufficient to meet requirements, and no necessity is seen for making the additional appointments suggested.