HC Deb 28 July 1938 vol 338 c3310W
Mr. Parker

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will state the number of vacancies for executive warrant officer, gunner, gunner (T), and boatswain, respectively, this year; the numbers so far promoted; the number of candidates at present; whether a shortage of candidates still persists in any branch; and what are the reasons for the recent appeal for candidates for boatswain to volunteer for gunner (T)?

Colonel Llewellin

Based on the estimated requirements for officers up to 31st March, 1939, the following shortages of active list officers exist at the moment:

Gunner Branch 42
Gunner (T) Branch 84
Boatswain Branch, 10

These shortages have been overcome in the gunner and boatswain branches by the re-employment of retired officers, but notwithstanding such re-employment there is still a shortage in the gunner (T) branch.

The following shows (a) the promotions which have been made since 1st January, 1938, and (b) the numbers of candidates at present:

(a) (b)
Gunners 30 70
Gunners (T) 17 37
Boatswains 16 66

The recent appeal for candidates for boatswain to volunteer for gunner (T) was made owing to the shortage in the latter branch and the fact that there is a surplus of candidates in the former branch.