§ MR. HANBURY (Preston)asked the First Lord of the Admiralty, Whether 1098 it is a fact that the officer, appointed from the Admiralty, a short time ago, to the post of Chief Constructor at Chatham Dockyard, was within three months of 60 years of age when he was so appointed, and would have been pensioned in the ordinary course next year; for what period it is intended that the post shall be held by this officer; whether this appointment will have the effect of increasing his pension; whether he has had experience in the construction of modern war ships; and, whether the Director of Dockyards concurred in or recommended the appointment?
§ THE FIRST LORD (Lord GEORGE HAMILTON) (Middlesex, Ealing)It is the case that the officer appointed last December as Chief Constructor of Chatham Dockyard was within three months of 60 years of age, and would, except for such appointment, have been retired next year. The appointment he now holds can be held by him at the pleasure of the Admiralty until he reaches the age of 65, which will occur in February, 1893. As Chief Constructor, he will earn an increase of pension over that which he could have obtained as Constructor. He is an officer of much experience in the construction of modern warships, and was appointed to his present post at the recommendation of the Director of Dockyards, with the full concurrence of the Comptroller of the Navy.