HC Deb 04 May 1936 vol 311 cc1357-8W
Mr. E. J. WILLIAMS

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what proportion of the officers entered the Navy as such and promoted from the lower deck, respectively, who have passed through the zone of promotion to commander, have actually been promoted to commander during the past 10 years, January, 1926 to 1936?

Lord STANLEY

Of the executive officers entered as cadet, who passed through the zone for promotion to commander during the period January, 1926, to December, 1935, approximately 48 per cent. were promoted. Of executive officers promoted from the lower deck as mate, who passed through the promotion zone during the same period, about 52 per cent. were promoted. I would, however, point out that many officers promoted through the mate scheme have, in the past, been retired owing to age before passing out of the promotion zone, but it is hoped that, in future, this will, to a large extent, be avoided.

Mr. E. J. WILLIAMS

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty how many of the 90 officers promoted from the lower deck who have commanded His Majesty's ships since 1920 have commanded any ship larger than a destroyer or sloop?

Lord STANLEY

I presume that the hon. Member is referring to the 99 officers promoted from the lower deck referred to in my reply of the 3rd April to the hon. and gallant Member for Nuneaton (Lieut.-Commander Fletcher). No officer from the lower deck has attained the seniority as captain, R.N., at which officers are normally appointed in command of ships larger than destroyer or sloop. Rear-Admiral Sir Thomas Lyne, K. C.V. O., C. B. (Retd), who was specially promoted from the lower deck, held appointments between 1920 and 1925 in command of His Majesty's ships "Assistance," "Indus," "Blenheim" and "Impregnable."

Mr. E. J. WILLIAMS

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty how many officers promoted from the lower deck have been promoted to the rank of commander, other than on retirement, during the past ten years, January, 1926, to January, 1936?

Lord STANLEY

Twelve officers from the lower deck have been promoted to commander during the period mentioned. Two of these commanders have received further promotion to captain.