asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he is yet in a position to make a statement on the proposals for improving the promotion prospects of Instructor Lieutenants, formerly Schoolmasters R.N.

Yes, Sir. The conditions of service of these officers have now been very carefully reviewed, and it has been decided to allow a further 26 selective promotions to Instructor Lieutenant-Commander, in addition to those permissible under the scheme of 1946.

I am much obliged for that statement, which will be greeted with modified rapture, but there will be 45 of these officers who originally were under the expectation of being promoted and who will not now be promoted. Is it not a fact that the First Lord can expect continued agitation from that group?

That is possible. I thank the hon. Member for his modified congratulations, and I think that this is a big step in the right direction.