HC Deb 19 April 1909 vol 3 cc1258-60
Mr. CLELAND

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether his attention has been directed to a statement alleged to have been made by Admiral Smith-Dorrien, with reference to the body of the late Prime Minister, at a meeting at Berkhampstead on 31st March; if so, whether he proposes to take any steps, and what he proposes to do?

Mr. HAZLETON

also had given notice to ask whether the pensions of Naval officers were held only during good behaviour; whether his attention has been drawn to a speech alleged to have been delivered by Admiral Smith-Dorrien at a Conservative club dinner at Berkhampstead on 31st March; and whether, if that report is substantially correct, he proposes to remove the name of Admiral Smith-Dorrien from the pension list of the Navy?

Mr. McKENNA

I will answer my hon. Friend's question and that of the hon. Member for North Galway together. The attention of the officer in question has been called to the statement referred to, and he has informed the Admiralty that his remark was meant entirely metaphorically; but that, publicity having given it a serious meaning which it was never his intention to convey, and would be foreign to his nature to suggest, he deeply regrets having made it. The Admiralty have power to deprive an officer of his retired pay, but I do not think that the matter is of sufficient importance to warrant further action.

Mr. ARTHUR LEE

Is it not a fact that the statement was reported in all the public Press, and in the case of an individual who is enjoying a pension is there any obligation on his part to refrain from conduct of this kind?

Mr. McKENNA

I quite agree with the hon. Member that there is a very strong obligation upon any retired officer to refrain from any such conduct. In the present case Admiral Smith-Dorrien states that he did not intend the remark to be taken seriously, and regrets having made it. Under these circumstances I do not think any further action is desirable.

Mr. HAZLETON

Has the Admiral published any explanation, or expressed any regret whatever for the language he used?

Mr. McKENNA

No, Sir; the Admiral has communicated to me, and I have taken this, the first opportunity of stating publicly that the Admiral regrets having made use of the observation.