§ Sir B. FALLEasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that practically every branch of His Majesty's Navy have repeatedly requested that warrant rank shall be open to petty officer ratings by competitive examination; and whether he will consider amending the regulations in order that men may by merit become warrant officers before reaching the age of forty years?
§ Mr. AMMONI am not aware of any such general demand as that referred to. The system of promotion to warrant rank in the various branches was very fully considered early this year, and as a result, A.F.O. 495/24 was issued. The Board of Admiralty see no reason for modifying the decisions then arrived at, which were promulgated in the Order.