§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAasked the First Lord of the Admiralty the names and ranks of members serving on the committee of inquiry into the mate scheme; what are the terms of reference; what 1055W procedure is being adopted for obtaining the views of ex-mate and flag and commanding officers; and whether an Admiralty fleet order has been issued?
Mr. ALEXANDERI would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on 30th October [OFFICIAL REPORT, columns 216–8] to the hon. and gallant Member for Central Portsmouth (Captain W. G. Hall).
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAasked the First Lord of the Admiralty the number and ages of the commanders and lieutenant-commanders (ex-mate) now serving who held warrant rank prior to being commissioned; what is the age limit for the selection of lieutenant-commander (ex-mate) for promotion to commander; and whether age causes the majority of ex-warrant officers to be ruled out of the half-yearly promotion list?
Mr. ALEXANDEROf the five commanders (ex-mate) now on the active list, three held warrant rank before being commissioned, and of the 49 lieutenant-commanders (ex-mate) 25 held warrant rank before being commissioned. The ages of the three commanders are approximately 43 years 10 months, 39 years 10 months and 37 years 11 months. The ages of the 25 lieutenant-commanders mentioned above range from 43 years one month to 36 years four months. There is no prescribed age Limit for selection to promotion for commander. Age is only one of the various points which are taken into consideration when selecting officers for promotion.