§ Mr. MARKHAMasked the Prime Minister will he say whether the First 1822 Lord of the Admiralty, on receipt of Lord Charles Beresford's letter of 13th November, 1907, immediately communicated to him the contents of this letter; if so, what steps, if any, were taken by him or the Defence Committee relating to the statement of this admiral that, though Commander-in-Chief of the Mediterranean station, five officers declined to accept the position of his chief of staff for fear their careers might be prejudiced; did His Majesty's Government allow the admiral to appoint as his chief of staff an officer who he considered less efficient than the five officers to whom the appointment was first offered; whether the letter of date 21st November, 1907, was the only reply made by the Admiralty to this charge of intimidation and favouritism; and why was the admiral not called upon to immediately substantiate this charge or relinquish his command?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI was not Prime Minister at the time mentioned in the question, and I have no reason to suppose that any such communication was made to my predecessor. If my hon. Friend wishes any further information on the subject he should address inquiries to the Admiralty.
§ Mr. MARKHAMThe Prime Minister has not answered the last part of my question—whether the letter of 21st November, 1907, was the only reply made by the Admiralty to this charge of intimidation and favouritism, and why was the Admiral not called upon immediately to substantiate the charge or relinquish his command?
§ The PRIME MINISTERHow can I answer it? I was not Prime Minister at the time. I have no knowledge whatever of the circumstances.
§ Mr. MARKHAMI will ask the First Lord.