HC Deb 22 March 1906 vol 154 cc610-1
MR. BELLAIRS (Lynn Regis)

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that an Order in Council, of the 20th November, 1905, under Section 7, confers powers on the Admiralty over the retired pay of officers of an absolute character, rendering the Admiralty the sole judge as to the actions of the retired officer, and empowering them to forfeit his pay without any form of trial other than that of the consideration of his case by the Lords of the Admiralty; and whether the Admiralty will take immediate steps to limit these powers.

THE SECRETARY TO THE ADMIRALTY (Mr. EDMUND ROBERTSON,) Dundee

The Order in Council was obtained in order to define in precise form the powers exercised by the Admiralty in the past, and it was drawn up on the advice of the Law Officers of the Crown. The Answer to the last part of the Question is in the negative.

* CAPTAIN HERVEY (Bury St. Edmunds)

asked if the word "misconduct" as used in the Order could be construed by the Admiralty as an offence—

* MR. SPEAKER

Order, order! The hon. Member must give notice.