§ Mr. Sorensenasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will state the number of serving commissioned officers who have risen from the ranks; the number of commissioned officers who have been promoted from the ranks during the past 10 years; and what percentage this represents?
§ Mr. ShakespeareI am afraid that in the short time available it has not been possible to collate the information asked for by the hon. Member, and I should be obliged therefore if he would put his question down again for a later date.
§ Mr. Parkerasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will state the number and places where the Fleet boards for candidates for sub-lieutenants were held in 1937; the number of candidates interviewed and recommended for the petty officers' course; the number who appeared 1550W before the final selection board; and the number who were awarded commissions?
Mr. CooperFleet selection boards for seamen ratings were held on two occasions in 1937—the first in the Spring, the second in the Autumn. On the first occasion, 20 ratings were interviewed, of whom 16 were recommended for the candidates' course as petty officers, and 13 were finally appointed acting sub-lieutenant. On the second occasion the revised regulations were in force, and 31 ratings were selected and sent to His Majesty's Ship "Ramillies" to undergo the special training provided under the new arrangements. These candidates will be considered by a final board next summer. I am sending the hon. Member detailed information concerning all these boards.