HC Deb 25 March 1946 vol 421 cc19-20W
Mr. Willis

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the number of hostilities only engine room artificers who, having failed the examination for chief E.R.A., have subsequently been promoted to temporary sub-lieutenant (E), R.N.V.R.

Mr. Dugdale

To provide the information asked for in this Question would involve the examination of the service certificates of all R.N.V.R. (E) officers promoted from engine room artificer, and this could only be undertaken at the expense of other urgent work. Advancement to chief engine room artificer, which is based upon qualifying examination after very long service, is hardly comparable with promotion to temporary commissioned rank in the engineering branch, which de-

Region Controller Deputy Controller
North Rhine Province Lt.-Col. C. H. Gilbert Mr. K. V. Cook.
Westfalen Lt.-Col. R. W. Purvis Major S. G. Norton Fagge.
Neidersachsen Lt.-Col. K. F. Taster Mr. J. Kent.
Weser Ems Major G. Youard Major Hossack.
Schleswig Holstein/Hamburg Major J. A. Hassell Major N. Kirk.

Knowledge of conditions in Germany and qualities of leadership and administrative skill are as important as technical qualifications for the work which the

pends upon the early recommendation of candidates of outstanding ability and the successful completion of intensive courses of training. The rating of chief engine room artificer can be attained by examination after a minimum of six years' service, including three years sea going service as engine room artificer, 4th Class, and above, including the period of acting time allowed to reckon. Very few "hostilities only" engine room artificers could have been eligible for this rate before demobilisation.