§ 25 and 43. Mr. GINNELLasked the Prime Minister (1) having regard to the intimation given by Army officers in Ireland in 1914 that they would not obey certain anticipated orders of their military superiors, and to the recent refusal of Lord Fisher to serve in a position to which he was duly appointed, will he say to what grades of officers in the Navy this privilege of choosing their duty is conceded in practice; whether any concession of that nature is ever made to the men; and (2) what action the Government intend to take with reference to Lord Fisher's refusal to continue to serve in the position of supreme importance in the Navy which the Government considered his the most competent to fill; and, in view of his refusal, whether the pension to which he would otherwise be entitled will be paid to him?
§ The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Asquith)The hon. Member appears to misunderstand the position. Lord Fisher tendered his resignation, which was accepted.
§ Mr. GINNELLThe right hon. Gentleman has not answered Question 25, as to what grades in the Navy these provisions are to apply?
§ The PRIME MINISTERLord Fisher resigned, and his resignation was accepted.