§ Sir B. FALLEasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he will consider opening the executive mate rank to ratings of any branch who can demonstrate their efficiency to perform the duties required and are accepted or recommended by the selection committee; and if he is aware that under existing regulations mate rank is open to the seamen and engine-room branches only?
§ Mr. AMMONPromotion to the rank of mate (General Service) is not confined to ratings of the seaman branch, since signal and telegraphist ratings and ratings of the regulating branch are eligible, under the regulations, to become candidates. The Admiralty do not consider it desirable, having regard to the duties and previous training and experience of ratings of other branches, to make them eligible for selection.