§ Sir B. FALLEasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of the approximation of grading and advancement of the accountant branch, namely, writers, supply and naval cook ratings, with those of the seaman and engine-room branches, the same advantages for promotion will be extended to ratings of the accountant branch by establishing the rank of mate (A)?
Mr. ALEXANDERThe position of writers, supply and cook ratings is so different from that of ratings of the seamen and engine-room branches, that2114W it has not been thought advisable to attempt the extension of the mate scheme to those branches. Examination of the mate scheme in all its aspects will, however, form part of the review of the whole question of promotion from the lower deck.