HC Deb 23 June 1938 vol 337 cc1279-80W
Lieut.-Commander Fletcher

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what is the total number of lieutenant-commanders; how many are of six, nine and 12 years' seniority, respectively; what proportion of lieutenant-commanders do not obtain promotion above that rank; during which years in the rank promotion is usually attained, if at all; what is the normal age of retirement for lieutenant-commanders if not promoted; how many retired voluntarily when over the age of 40 during 1937; whether any Admiralty order during the last two years has placed restrictions upon such retirements when desired by the officer; and, if so, what are the governing conditions?

Mr. Shakespeare

The total number of lieutenant-commanders at present on the Active List of the Royal Navy is 995; 159 of these are of seniority six to nine years; 162, nine to 12 years, and 94 over 12 years. Promotion to the rank of commander is, except in very unusual circumstances, made from officers between three and eight years' seniority as lieutenant-commander; recent statistics show that, of officers entering this promotion zone, roughly 6o per cent. failed to obtain promotion, but with the expansion now taking place this percentage is diminishing.

Lieutenant-commanders are retired compulsorily on reaching the age of 45. In normal circumstances they have been permitted to retire voluntarily at any time after they have attained the age of 40, but owing to the expansion of the Fleet and the increased requirements for officers, an Admiralty Fleet Order was issued in October, 1936, stating that retirements of lieutenant-commanders and lieutenants over the age of 40 would be allowed only if the officer could be spared without inconvenience to the Service; this Order is still in force. The number of lieutenant-commanders over the age of 40 who retired voluntarily during the year 1937 was 18.

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