§ 81. Mr. R. McNEILLasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether Rear-Admiral Bacon has been recently appointed to an important naval post on the South Coast of England; whether this officer has now been some years on the retired list; whether he left the Service for a position of profit as a director of the Coventry Ordnance Works; whether he has succeeded a distinguished officer on the active list; what is the reason for his selection in preference to other available officers of equal rank on the active list; and whether his appointment involves the hoisting of his flag?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe answer to the first, second, third, fourth, and sixth parts of the question is "Yes "; and to the fifth, "because of his distinguished abilities and the requirements of the Service."
§ Mr. R. MCNEILLIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the-supersession of Admiral Hood is causing great dissatisfaction in the Navy?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLNo, Sir.
§ Mr. R. McNEILLWill the right hon. Gentleman take steps to ascertain the feeling in the Navy in regard to the matter?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLNo, Sir; I think that I am fully acquainted with all the circumstances connected with the appointment of Admiral Bacon.
§ Sir A. MARKHAMIs it not a fact that Admiral Bacon gave up a very large salary with Messrs. Cammell, Laird and Co. to take up this appointment at a very much reduced salary, and are we not indebted to him for the 15-inch field gun?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLYes, Sir.