§ Sir R. Youngasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, seeing there were 29 engine-room artificer candidates for sub-lieutenant (E) in 1937, but only eight were commissioned, and that between 55 and 60 special entry cadets are to be entered this year for engineering duties, in addition to those from Dartmouth College, he will have similar inquiries made in the engineering branch, as were last year made in the executive branch, to ascertain the reason why such a comparatively small number of artificers attain 1908W commissioned rank, and also to provide improved facilities as has been done for seaman ratings?
§ Mr. ShakespeareThe inquiries referred to by the hon. Member were not confined as he supposes to the seaman branch. He will be aware, however, that the chief defect brought to light was the difficulty experienced by promising young seamen in attaining the prescribed professional and educational qualifications while serving afloat. This defect has been remedied by sending selected ratings to a ship in which special facilities are provided. No similar need was apparent in the engineering branch.