HC Deb 10 August 1909 vol 9 cc236-7
Captain FABER

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he would state whether the existing Order in Council governing the retirement of Marine officers lays down that colonels commandant are to be compulsorily retired at the age of 60 or on the expiration of command; whether Colonel- Commandant Onslow's command expired on 10th April, 1909; whether he was then or had since been compulsorily retired; and, if not, under what authority the Board of Admiralty had overridden the Order in Council or suspended its operation in this case?

Mr. McKENNA

In the first part of the question the hon. Member correctly states a provision of the Order in Council till lately in force, and now superseded. The answer to the second part of the question is in the affirmative. As to the third part, Colonel Onslow has been relieved in his command, but has not been placed on the retired list. With regard to the last part, the Admiralty suspended action because power was being obtained by Order in Council to place Colonel Onslow on the reserved list of colonels. The Order having now been made by His Majesty in Council, this officer will be placed on the reserved list forthwith.

Captain FABER

Is Colonel Onslow the only officer whose term has expired who has not been put on the retired list?

Mr. McKENNA

Yes; but the Order in Council has only just been passed. The list will not be confined to Colonel Onslow.