MR. GIBSON BOWLESI beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty what are the steps which the Board of Admiralty have already taken to remedy the absence from the Flag List of a due proportion of younger officers; hare these steps been taken in pursuance of the recommendations of the Committee presided over by Lord Goschen; and will he either lay upon the Table the Report of that Committee or the recommendations embodied therein; if so, will he do this before the discussion on the Navy Estimates.
§ MR. ARNOLD-FORSTERThe Report of Lord Goschen's Committee has not yet been fully considered by the Board of Admiralty. It is not, however, proposed to lay the Report upon the 578 Table. Steps have already been taken by the Admiralty to remedy the absenc from the Flag List of a due proportion of younger officers. A certain number of young officers have been added both to the captains' and commanders' lists, and will thus reach flag rank at an earlier age than has lately been usual.
MR. GIBSON BOWLESAm I to understand that steps have been taken before the Report of the Committee has been fully considered?
§ MR. ARNOLD-FORSTERSteps have been taken, but that does not preclude any further steps being taken if it is thought desirable.