§ 28. Mr. EYRES - MONSELLasked whether Captain Kemp has been placed on half-pay, and has been officially informed that he will not be employed again afloat; whether any recommendation on this subject was received from the admiral under whom he was serving; and, if so, did the admiral recommend this course?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the remainder of the question, I must decline in the public interest to give any information upon the confidental reports of flag officers to the Admiralty.
§ 29. Mr. EYRES-MONSELLasked whether it is the function of the First Sea Lord to deal, in the first instance, with supercessions of post-captains in His Majesty's Fleet; and, if so, what proposals did the First Sea Lord make in the case of Captain Kemp?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe duties of the First Sea Lord of the Admiralty are as set forth in the Memorandum of distribution of business which has been laid before the House, and in accordance with that Memorandum important matters of discipline are referred to him. It would be contrary to precedent, and not in accordance with the public interests, that any advice given by the First Sea Lord on such a matter should be published.
§ Mr. EYRES-MONSELLIs the right hon. Gentleman sure that he is not overriding naval opinion on this occasion?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI should require some definition of what naval opinion is. I do not know whether the hon. Gentleman presumes to include himself.