§ MR. BELLAIRSI beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that though the Mediterranean Fleet consists of only six battleships, the newly-appointed Commander-in-Chief, Vice-Admiral Sir Charles Drury, has been given the acting rank of Admiral with corresponding pay and emoluments, and his second-in-command, Rear-Admiral Prince Louis of Battenburg, has been given the acting rank of Vice-Admiral; whether he is aware that, in days when there was no third flag-officer to assist with the cruisers, and the number of battleships was as many as twelve to fourteen, or at least 100 per cent. more, with far greater responsibilities, no such acting rank was given; and whether the Board will explain what efficiency and economy is hoped for from the change.
§ MR. EDMUND ROBERTSONThe arrangements alluded to were approved by the Board on the 6th December, 1904, as part of the scheme by which the seagoing establishment of superior officers was settled for war purposes. The scheme is independent of changes in the allocation and distribution of the strength of the fleets and squadrons, and was in fact introduced concurrently with a reduction in the strength of the Mediterranean Fleet to accord with the political and strategical requirements of the time.
§ MR. BELLAIRSIs it not the case that under the scheme of 1904 the Rear-Admiral remained Rear-Admiral, whereas Prince Louis of Battenburg becomes Vice-Admiral?
§ MR. EDMUND ROBERTSONI understand the arrangement was that this should become a Vice-Admiral's appointment.