§ Mr. MIDDLEMOREasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, on the outbreak of war the Admiralty would have to send any fully commissioned armoured ship to sea in command of an officer below captain's rank; and how many armoured ships in the reserve divisions of the Home Fleet are at present commanded by officers below the rank of captain?
§ The FIRST LORD of the ADMIRALTY (Mr. McKenna)The reply to the first part of the question is in the negative; and to the second part, seven.
§ Mr. BURGOYNEIs there any rule as to the rank officers must have before they take command of armoured ships?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe practice is for a captain to take command. I do not think there is any rule on the subject.
§ Mr. BURGOYNECases may occur where the commander is perfectly capable of taking charge.
§ Mr. McKENNAHe might be in charge for a time, but, as a matter of fact, in every case an armoured ship would be commanded by a captain.