HC Deb 04 December 1911 vol 32 cc1032-3
Mr. MARTIN

asked 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. CHURCHILL

The 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. MARTIN

Do 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. CHURCHILL

The Canadian Government asked us to nominate officers, and they approved of the appointments.

Mr. MARTIN

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether the Admiralty did not consider their social position rather than their professional competency?

Mr. CHURCHILL

That question did not arise either at the British Admiralty or with the Canadian Government.