Captain FABERasked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will state why Rear-Admiral Sturdee, who was promoted admiral in September, 1908, has since that date been passed over for employment by four officers junior to himself?
§ Mr. McKENNAIt is undesirable in the interests of the Service and of individual officers themselves to canvass their qualifications or suitability for employment.
Captain FABERMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman if Admiral Sturdee was Lord Charles Beresford's Chief of Staff?
§ Mr. McKENNAYes, Sir; I believe he was when he was captain.
§ Mr. ASHLEYMay I ask if this officer received a warning that if he remained with Lord Charles Beresford he might find himself unemployed?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe statement made by the hon. Gentleman is absolutely without warrant, and he has no right whatever to make any such statement in public.