§ Major HORE-BELISHAasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty why the numbers of warrant rank and above, allowed to the writer branch under Order in Council of 28th November, 1923, represent a reduction on the numbers allowed to that branch to considerably less than one-half the numbers allowed under A.M.O. 3018a/18; and whether, seeing that this is in marked contrast to the numbers reduced in any other branches of the warrant ranks of His Majesty's Royal Navy, he can see his way clear to rectify this anomaly?
§ Mr. HODGESThe number of warrant writers and above mentioned in A.M.O. 3018a/18 was a provisional establishment for War purposes only, promotions within that establishment being made as necessary to meet requirements. It had no relation to the numbers that might be required under peace conditions, and owing to the termination of the War the maximum number was not reached. The numbers of warrant officers and above in all branches are based solely upon the requirements of the Fleet in each branch independently, and the fact that smaller reductions may have been made in other branches cannot be accepted as a reason for increasing the number of warrant writers and officers promoted therefrom beyond actual requirements.