§ SIR HENRY ROSCOE (Manchester, S.)asked the First Lord of the Admiralty, Whether, in consequence of the resignation of Dr. Debus, of the Professorship of Chemistry in the Royal Naval School at Greenwich, it is proposed to reduce the status of this post to a Lectureship; and, if so, whether he will take into consideration the inexpediency of this step being taken in view of the importance to naval officers of a knowledge of this science, and of the necessity that in the Government Naval School the post in question should be filled by a gentleman of the highest possible scientific position and attainments?
§ THE FIRST LORD (Lord GEORGE HAMILTON) (Middlesex, Ealing)The resignation of Dr. Debus, Professor of Chemistry at the Royal Naval College, has only just been received by the Admiralty; and, therefore, it would be premature to make any statement as to the manner in which it may be thought desirable to fill the vacancy so caused. The policy of the Admiralty is always to inquire into the circumstances of any appointment of this kind that may fall 885 vacant, with the view of adjusting the salary to the requirements of the day.