HC Deb 21 February 1911 vol 21 cc1729-30
Mr. GRETTON

asked if the Memorandum attached to the book named "Compulsory Service," and signed A. K. W., was submitted to and approved by the Board of Admiralty before its appearance in an unofficial publication emanating from another Department of the Government?

Mr. McKENNA

There was no Board meeting on the memorandum referred to, but it was published with my approval.

Mr. GRETTON

If there was no Board meeting was the memorandum submitted to the members separately?

Mr. McKENNA

The First Sea Lord is the special member of the Board who deals with subjects of that kind.

Earl WINTERTON

Are we to understand that it was not submitted to the Board as a whole?

Mr. McKENNA

The Noble Lord must not understand from what I have stated anything beyond what I have stated.

Earl WINTERTON

Then will the right hon. Gentleman answer the original question?

Mr. McKENNA

I have answered it, and I will repeat my answer for the Noble Lord's benefit: "There was no Board meeting on the Memorandum referred to, but it was published with my approval."

Lord HUGH CECIL

asked a question which was inaudible to the official reporter.

Mr. McKENNA

The Noble Lord is probably unaware of the constitution of the Board of Admiralty. If any Member of the Board submits to me a document, and I approve it, that document has the approval of the Board of Admiralty.

Lord HUGH CECIL

Then it was submitted.