§ Captain W. G. HALLasked the First Lord of the Admiralty if training in destroyers will now be given to ratings who are commissioned in a similar manner to midshipmen, and thus enable them to graduate for command of this type of vessel?
Mr. ALEXANDERMidshipmen are appointed to destroyers as an integral part of their early training, but not with any intention of graduating them for command of destroyers in particular. The Admiralty appreciate that experience in destroyers will be of value to officers1762W commissioned from the lower deck, and it will be borne in mind when considering them for appointment. As regards graduating for command of this type of vessel, officers promoted from the lower deck will have exactly the same opportunities as ex-cadet officers.