HC Deb 14 December 1916 vol 88 cc847-8
99. Mr. PETO

asked 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. MACNAMARA

The 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. MEEHAN

Is 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. MACNAMARA

I did not know that.

Mr. PETO

Is 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?