§ LORD CHARLES BERESFORD (Woolwich)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether the Admiralty will consider the advisability of having the names of the two best heavy gun shots on each station published, in a similar manner to that already done with regard to the best rifle shots in the Fleet.
§ MR. ARNOLD-FORSTERAs I stated in reply to the hon. Member for Chester on the 18th inst., the question whether any further steps can be taken to mark the supreme importance of proficiency in gunnery is being carefully considered, and the suggestion made by the noble Lord has already engaged the attention of the Admiralty. Apart, however, from other objections, it is considered that the different conditions under which individual ships carry out their prize firing render it impossible to institute personal comparisons in the manner suggested. At the same time, it is hoped that some other method of recognising and distinguishing excellence in firing not open to the objections referred to may be found.
MR. GIBSON BOWLESMay I ask whether, when this matter is being considered, the advisability of making some addition to the pay of the gun captains will be considered.
§ MR. ARNOLD-FORSTERThere are additions made already to the ordinary pay of all gun captains.