§ Major HORE-BELISHAasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that the sick berth branch is the only branch in the Royal Navy in which the lowest rating cannot on an average obtain promotion for eight years; over what period the average of eight years is taken; and whether he will take steps to give the sick berth staff the same conditions as those enjoyed by other branches, in order to give them the same opportunities of qualifying for the good conduct medal as apply to other branches?
§ Mr. AMMONOn the assumption that the hon. Member is referring to the answer given to his question on the 16th April, the average age on advancement to higher rating in the different branches of the Royal Navy varies from branch to branch, and also from time to time in the same branch, and it must not be assumed that the average figure for sick berth attendants will always be eight years. With regard to the second 921W part of the question, the average refers to the whole period of service as sick berth attendant. With regard to the third part, the requirements of the Service in the different branches are so varied that it is impossible to attain uniformity of conditions, but I have already explained in my reply of the 16th April that sick berth ratings have a reasonable opportunity of qualifying for the good conduct medal.