§ 18. Mr. GRETTONasked the First Lord of the Admiralty if Sir William Smith has taken over the duties of chief constructor at the Admiralty to which office it was announced in October last that he had been appointed; if not, will he say who is now performing those duties, and when will Sir William Smith's appointment become effective?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Dr. Macnamara)The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. Sir Philip Watts is still performing the duties of Director of Naval Construction, and future arrangements are under consideration.
§ Mr. GRETTONAm I to understand that the appointment is inoperative?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI have said that future arrangements are under consideration. Beyond that I cannot go.