§ Sir B. FALLEasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty when the new Regulations governing the promotion of writer ratings to warrant rank become operative; how many writer ratings it is expected to benefit; and what is the earliest age it is considered any writer may be promoted to warrant rank under the new Regulations?
§ Mr. AMMONI assume that the hoc and gallant Member refers to the Regulations for promotion to warrant rank laid down in A.F.O. 495/24. These Regulations, which were designed to increase somewhat the element of selection in making promotions, while continuing to give due credit to experience gained in the actual performance of the duties of the branch, are already in force, but, from the nature of the case, it is impossible to give any figures as to the ultimate effect of the new Rules in practice. A rating of this branch is eligible for warrant rank on completing seven years' service, but any such early advancement is most improbable, since it would clearly be at the expense of the654W many deserving senior men. There are five prospective vacancies in the next six months, and the age of the candidates selected to fill them is not likely to fall below 40 years.