§ MR. LYELL (Dorsetshire, E.)To ask the Secretary to the Admiralty in how many of His Majesty's ships are the appointments of chaplain and naval instructor held by different persons; and whether, in view of the importance of cabin space, the Admiralty will give directions that in future no chaplain shall be appointed who is not qualified to act as naval instructor.
(Answered by Mr. Pretyman.) There are 21 of His Majesty's ships in which the appointments of chaplain and naval instructor are held by different persons, and 27 where the two offices are combined in the same individual. The Admiralty recognise the desirability of utilising the cabin accommodation in sea-going ships to the fullest extent, but as there is considerable difficulty in obtaining the services of chaplains who are also qualified to act as naval instructors, no strict rule can be laid down.