§ Sir B. FALLEasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he will revise the Admiralty Regulations which at present render it impossible for petty officers in many branches to reach the rank of lieutenant until they are nearly 50 years of age, so that capable, efficient, and outstanding petty officers may obtain commissioned rank at an age comparable with that of ratings of the seaman, signal-telegraphist, and regulating branches are promoted to the rank of mate?
§ Mr. HODGESThe Admiralty regret that they are unable to depart from their decision, communicated to the Fleet in Admiralty Fleet Order 1703/23, not to extend the mate scheme to other branches.