HC Deb 21 March 1917 vol 91 cc1880-2
12. Mr. C. HARMSWORTH

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the Board of Admiralty now meets formally from time to time as a Board; and whether all the Sea Lords are regarded as entitled at meetings of the Board to tender their independent advice to him on matters relating to general naval policy?

The FIRST LORD of the ADMIRALTY (Sir Edward Carson)

The reply to both parts of the question is in the affirmative.

Mr. BILLING

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman, with reference to the statement made in this House yesterday, whether it is the custom to ask for the advice or whether it is supposed to be forthcoming without being asked?

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member should give notice of that question.

Mr. FABER

May I ask the right hon. and learned Gentleman whether the Sea Lords when the Board meets are regarded not only as being entitled to tender their independent advice, but are asked by him to tender it?

Sir E. CARSON

I always expect to get the fullest advice and assistance from all the Sea Lords.

Mr. HERBERT SAMUEL

Can the right hon. Gentleman say, without detriment to the public service, whether the Sea Lords are entitled or are invited to tender advice on questions of specific naval operations?

Sir E. CARSON

Certainly—they may be.

Commander BELLAIRS

In order to clinch the matter, may I ask whether the Sea Lords, other than the First Sea Lord, have recovered that power of which they were deprived by the First Lord of the Admiralty in 1914–15?

Mr. BILLING

On a point of Order, Mr. Speaker. May I ask why you ruled my Question out of order, seeing it is similar to the one put by the hon. Member for Clapham?

Mr. SPEAKER

The question was not the same. This question arises directly out of what has gone before. The question of the hon. Member is one which required notice, as it arose out of yesterday's proceedings.

Mr. BILLING

On a point of Order. I would like to say, Sir, that my question was identical with the question asked by the hon. Member.

Mr. SPEAKER

When the hon. Gentleman sees his question on the Paper he will see that it is different.