§ 14. Mr. BUTCHERasked the Under-Secretary of State for War what are the 713 duties of the military officer attached to each naval centre; whether he is aware that in many cases this military officer has practically nothing to do, and that his duties are performed, or can be easily performed, by the naval officer at the naval centre; and whether, in order to avoid unnecessary waste of public money, he will abolish the post of military officer attached to naval centres?
§ Mr. TENNANTI am sure that the hon. and learned Gentleman will realise that it is undesirable to specify the nature of the duties assigned to these officers. The question of economy has not been lost sight of, and I can assure him that the responsible authorities consider it necessary to maintain the posts in question.
§ Mr. BUTCHERWill the right hon. Gentleman consider one or two special cases which I will bring to his notice, where it was found that this particular military officer had really nothing to do?
§ Mr. TENNANTIt may be quite true that at the moment the military officer is not wholly employed, or, one might even go so far as to say unemployed, but, inasmuch as his services would be very desirable, and even essential, in case of emergency, it is not considered possible to do away with the post.