§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware, by the reading of Admiralty Fleet Order No. 2639/27, that the ratings mentioned in that Order will be required to wear Class III uniform with black horn buttons and red cap badge for at least two years, whereas other ratings when advanced to the rating of petty officer are confirmed at the expiration of 12 months and are then eligible to wear that uniform with gilt buttons and gold cap-badge; and whether it is intended that these particular ratings shall serve one year as confirmed petty officers before being eligible to wear gilt buttons and gold cap-badge?
§ Lieut.-Colonel HEADLAMThis is not the intention, and as the Admiralty Fleet Order referred to by the hon. Member apparently gave rise to some confusion on the subject, an amending Order No. 2947/27, dated 18th November, has since been issued.