§ 8. Mr. WATTasked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether it is the practice of the yacht patrol section of his Department, presided over by Commander Lecky, to refuse all evidence of the capacity of men who offer themselves for his Department once they have given a decision, no matter how much experience the men may have gained between the two applications; and, if so, will he see that a more efficient system is adopted in future so that good men may not be lost to his Department?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. Candidates for appointments are interviewed by a Board and not by Commander Lecky personally. The greatest possible care is taken in selections made from amongst those who present themselves, the competition, I may say, being very keen. If a candidate is unsuccessful and seeks thereafter to improve his qualifications, his case is considered again. I can assure my hon. Friend, in reply to the second part of his question, that we have every confidence in the efficiency of the methods at present adopted.
§ Mr. WATTIn view of the mismanagement by this commander of the Scottish part of the yacht patrol section, will the right hon. Gentleman use his influence to have him raised to a higher level?
§ Mr. HOGGEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that my hon. Friend is a competent yachtsman, and will he avail himself of his very special knowledge?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAIf the hon. Gentleman can make any suggestions to me, I shall be glad.