HC Deb 25 March 1897 vol 47 cc1305-6
MR. J. W. CROMBIE (Kincardineshire)

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty if he could state to the House how many officers of the Navy are qualified as interpreters, and in what languages; and what steps, if any, are being taken to encourage the study of Foreign languages among Naval officers?

THE FIRST LORD OF THE ADMIRALTY (Mr. GOSCHEN,) St. George's, Hanover Square

Forty-eight officers on the active list of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines are qualified as interpreters in the principal European languages and 86 in Oriental languages. A knowledge of French is required at the examination for entry-of officers in the Royal Navy, and prizes are given during the period of training in the Britannia for proficiency in this language, and for proficiency in French and other modern languages at the annual examination of junior officers serving afloat. Civilians are employed on certain foreign stations to instruct the junior officers in modern languages, and by special gratuities, allowances, and facilities for studying abroad, officers are encouraged to qualify as interpreters in both European and Oriental languages.

MR. GIBSON BOWLES

asked how many of these officers were able to interpret Swanhili?

THE FIRST LORD OF THE ADMIRALTY

I am unable to state the precise number, but a good many.

MR. CROMBIE

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman's answer referred only to Naval officers or to Naval and Marine officers?

THE FIRST LORD OF THE ADMIRALTY

I have only sufficient information to enable me to answer the hon. Member's Question upon the Paper.