§ Lord CHARLES BERESFORDasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the terms used in the assessment of character and ability of men of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines are to be altered; and, if so, will he state to the House in what manner?
§ Mr. McKENNANo alteration has been made in the terms used for the assessment of the characters of seamen and marines. The same terms were used also for assessing their ability, but they were found to be unsuitable for the latter purpose, and the system of assessment of ability was revised in May last. It would take too long to give the changes and the reasons for them in an answer to a question, but I have forwarded to the Noble Lord a copy of a circular letter to the Fleet which gives all particulars.