§ CAPTAIN NORTON (Newington, W.)I beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can state if the medical authorities were consulted in connection with the recent appointment to Haslar Hospital; and whether the appointment made was in accordance with their recommendation.
MR. GOSCHENThe qualifications of all the officers whose seniority might en- 682 title them to consideration for the appointment in question were thoroughly and exhaustively sifted in consultation with the Medical Authorities. The responsibility for the ultimate choice rested, as I have stated before, with me. Neither as regards executive, medical, or any other officers am I prepared to say on whose recommendation I act. I must say I think the hon. and gallant Member is somewhat ill-advised in pressing this question.
§ CAPTAIN NORTONThe right hon. Gentleman has not answered my question as to whether the appointment was in accordance with the recommendation of the medical authorities.
MR. GOSCHENI have answered the question. I said that the responsibility rested with me and not with the medical authorities, or any class of officers. I am not prepared to state on what recommendation I acted.