HC Deb 24 October 1939 vol 352 cc1216-7W
Mr. Parker

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how the minimum of 75 commissions per annum are to be allocated to the lower deck, giving the numbers of ratings to be commissioned early in their careers under the sub-lieutenant and similar schemes in the executive, accountant, and engine-room artificer branches, and Royal Marines, respectively; and the numbers to be promoted to lieutenant's rank by special selection from warrant officers of the executive, engineering, and accountant branches, and the Royal Marines, respectively?

Mr. Churchill

As has been previously explained to the House, the Admiralty are pursuing the policy of promoting from the lower deck as many candidates as possible, who are suitable and qualified, in the executive or engine-room branches and in the Royal Marines. There is, therefore, no question of allocating the number of commissions to be granted in any of these branches. The details of promotion in the Accountant Branch are still under consideration.