THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURYsaid, that it having been customary that the senior Admiral in the service should succeed to the post of Admiral of the Fleet, it was naturally felt by the navy generally, and more expecially by the officer now at the head of the list, that it was hard the commission should have been filled up since 756 the death of Sir Byam Martin. It was a merely honorary commission, and fairly looked upon as a mark of distinction. It was therefore desirable to know whether it was intended to be filled up.
§ EARL GRANVILLEthought it detrimental to the public service when Parliament interfered with the Government as to the promotion or non-promotion of particular individuals. He should therefore, without meaning any disrespect to the noble Marquess, decline to answer his question.
THE DUKE OF NORTHUMBERLANDsaid, that the office of Admiral of the Fleet was one of the few prizes in the profession, and it had always been the practice to appoint to this distinction. The appointment was regarded by the navy as a proper compliment from the Crown. This was the first time a vacancy had occurred without being filled up, and it was, he thought, worth the consideration of the Government whether they would not continue to appoint the oldest eligible member of the service to the post of Admiral of the Fleet, the salary attached to which was not more than £365 per annum.
§ LORD COLCHESTERsaid, that the post of Admiral of the Fleet was equivalent in rank to that of Field Marshal in the army. There had been two Field Marshals lately appointed, and he thought it was unjust to the navy that they should have no officer of corresponding rank in their service, although there was an opportunity of appointing one.
§ EARL GRANVILLEsaid, that the Government were of opinion that there was no person particularly marked out at this moment to fill an office of this sort.