HC Deb 04 June 1894 vol 25 cc313-4
ADMIRAL FIELD (Sussex, Eastbourne)

On behalf of the hon. Member for South Antrim, I beg to ask the Civil Lord of the Admiralty whether the omission of naval officers' names from the list of honours and rewards recently bestowed on the occasion of Her Majesty's birthday upon certain officers of Her Majesty's Military Forces is a departure from a well-recognised custom; whether the First Lord of the Admiralty was called upon to recommend names of naval officers for submission to Her Majesty; and whether he can state the total number of officers of Her Majesty's Army and Reserve Forces who were awarded honours and distinctions other than promotions in miltary rank as against the one naval officer so rewarded?

SIR U. KAY-SHUTTLE WORTH

In recommendations for honours on the occasion of Her Majesty's birthday no departure has been made from recognised custom. The First Lord recommends the names of naval officers which are submitted to Her Majesty by the Secretary of State for War, with those of officers in the Army whom he recommends. The Admiralty possess no further information as to the last paragraph of the hon. Gentleman's question, beyond that given in The Gazette of the 26th of May. The number of officers on the Active List of the Army, who by rank are eligible for the Order of the Bath, is upwards of 4,000 against only about 700 in the Navy. The Rules laying down the qualifications of officers for this distinction are not identical in the two Services.

ADMIRAL FIELD

Am I to understand that the First Lord of the Admiralty is bound to submit names for Her Majesty's approval through the Secretary of State for War? Has not the First Lord of the Admiralty the right of audience in common with the Secretary of State for War?

SIR U. KAY-SHUTTLEWORTH

As to the latter part of the question, of course every Cabinet Minister has opportunities of audience with Her Majesty. But the mode of action is as my hon. and gallant Friend states—namely, that the names are recommended by the First Lord of the Admiralty, and then submitted by the Secretary for War.

ADMIRAL FIELD

I beg to give notice that I shall put a question to the Leader of the House as to the right of audience.

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