§ Mr. Leslieasked the First Lord of the Admiralty when cypher officers in the R.N.V.R., serving in China, are likely to be demobilised; and if he will give an assurance that they will not be transferred to the supply branch and thus have their release delayed.
Mr. AlexanderCypher officers in the R.N.V.R. serving in China are expected to be released in accordance with the general programme for the Cypher Branch. The release of cypher officers is ahead of the release of other branches of officers, and it is therefore necessary to transfer some cypher officers in the later age and service groups to supply branch duties to assist in equalising the rate of release throughout the Navy.