§ Mr. Willisasked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty if he will state the branches in which there is a shortage of manpower, the number at present serving in each of these branches, and the number required to bring each branch up to its full complement.
§ Mr. HayShortages of R.N. ratings are at present mainly in the Electrical, Supply and Secretariat, and in some Fleet Air Arm branches. On 31st March last the overall shortage in these branches was about 13 per cent., 3 per cent., and 4 per cent., respectively. The position in the Fleet Air Arm is showing a marked improvement. Shortages of R.N. officers at the same date were confined principally to the Electrical Engineering and Medical branches and amounted to about 15 per cent. and 10 per cent., respectively. It is not the practice to publish in detail the authorised numbers and strengths of the various branches of the Navy.