§ 99. Mr. PETOasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, under the official regulations, a lieutenant-commander in the Royal Naval Reserve who has had over eight years' seniority as a full lieutenant is junior to and has to take orders from a naval lieutenant of little or no seniority at all; and, if so, whether he will take the necessary steps to remedy these conditions where an officer of senior grade is deemed to be junior to one of a lower grade?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe reply to the first part of the question is that a lieutenant-commander in the Royal Naval Reserve, though his relative rank is senior to that of lieutenant, Royal Navy, cannot take command over a lieutenant, Royal Navy, no matter what the seniority of the latter officer is. It is not proposed to make any alteration in this regulation.
§ Mr. P. MEEHANIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the hon. Member has previously put this question, and can he say if there are any fees for the repetition of this question?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI did not know that.
§ Mr. PETOIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the hon. Member's statement is without a particle of foundation, and that I have never asked the question before?