Mr. ROBINSONasked the First Lord of the Admiralty if facilities exist for ratings possessing the necessary education to become officers above the rank of mate in the Royal Navy; and, if so, where particulars of these opportunities may be obtained?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANFacilities do not exist for the promotion of ratings to higher ranks than mate direct, but ratings promoted to mate are eligible for promotion from mate to lieutenant, as laid down in Article 261 of the King's Regulations and Admiralty Instructions, and thence to higher ranks under the same Regulations as other lieutenants.