asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he has considered the memorandum submitted last April on behalf of certain trade unions regarding the recruitment and status of engine-room artificers of the Royal Navy; whether the promised minimum for pro motions from the lower deck of 75 commissions annually refers only to the sea men personnel and cadets; and, if so, what arrangements have been made to increase promotions for the men ranking in the several grades of engine-room artificers?

I hope to be in a position to send the hon. Member a reply to his memorandum at an early date. The number of commissions from the lower deck to which he refers include engineering personnel.

Will commissions be granted at a higher age in the case of engine-room artificers?

It is the same scheme as now. It is the same age for engine-room artificers.