§ Mr. MARTINasked what were the qualifications which induced the Admiralty to lend to Canada Lieutenant C. White (retired R. N.), severely reprimanded and dismissed his ship by court martial, and Lieutenant Lord Alastair Graham (R. N.), reprimanded by court martial in connection with the grounding of the Canadian warship "Niobe"?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe officers in question were applied for by the Canadian naval authorities. Their previous service was excellent. Lieutenant White served as a lieutenant for ten and a-half years, during the whole of which time he was employed on navigating duties. Lieutenant Lord Alastair Graham had four years' seniority when appointed to the "Niobe," and as a sub-lieutenant passed his examinations with distinction, obtaining a first-class certificate in every subject. The strict rule of the Naval Service has inflicted upon these officers the punishments awarded them by court martial, and I should hope that in these circumstances the hon. Member would not desire to aggravate by further publicity the consequences of their mistake.
§ Mr. MARTINDo I understand from the right hon. Gentleman that these particular officers by name were applied for by the Canadian Government, or that the Canadian Government applied for officers and that those officers were selected by the Admiralty?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe Canadian Government asked us to nominate officers, and they approved of the appointments.
§ Mr. MARTINMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether the Admiralty did not consider their social position rather than their professional competency?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThat question did not arise either at the British Admiralty or with the Canadian Government.