§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether mates and officers promoted therefrom are eligible for service in fully-commissioned fleet destroyers; and the number of each grade now serving in this class of vessel?
Mr. ALEXANDERMates and officers promoted from that rank are eligible for appointment to fully commissioned fleet destroyers. Mates are not normally appointed to these ships in peace time as service in larger ships is considered to provide more valuable experience and none are now so employed. Three officers promoted from mate are at present serving in this class of ship.