§ Sir R. Youngasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty why, for 20 vacancies available, only three candidates from the Universities entered for commissions in the engineering branch of the Navy in 1938; whether he will now consider the advisability of using those in the engineering personnel who are already, educationally and professionally, qualified for lieutenants (E); and whether he will increase the opportunities for others to qualify for future vacancies?
§ Mr. ShakespeareThe shortage of candidates from the Universities is due to a variety of reasons, one being that by the time University graduates have acquired the necessary practical experience they have already marked out the1294W particular line they have chosen for a career in civil life.
The possibility of amending the scheme for the entry of University graduates as engineer officers with a view to increasing the number of candidates is receiving consideration. The hon. Member can rest assured that the claims of all fully qualified personnel are carefully considered.
§ Sir R. Youngasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether a decision has yet been reached as to the method to be followed in meeting the increased requirements of engineer officers; and whether, with reference to the inclusion of young warrant engineers in the new scheme of promotions to lieutenants, he will undertake to ensure that such promotions are in addition to the present quota of 10 per cent. of special promotions to lieutenant (E)?
§ Mr. ShakespeareNo decision has yet been reached in this matter; as regards the second part of the question the number of promotions to lieutenant (E) from commissioned engineers would remain unaffected by any promotions direct from warrant rank.