§ 54. Mr. P. A. HARRISasked the Prime Minister whether the First Lord of the Admiralty has been abroad on Government business for some time; whether that business is solely concerned with the Navy; and will he say who is discharging the daily duties and administrative functions of the First Lord of the Admiralty during his absence?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. His visit was undertaken in connection with the work of the Navy in the Mediterranean. Suitable arrangements were made by him for the conduct of Admiralty business in his absence, and were approved by the Cabinet. My right hon. Friend expects to be in London again next week.
§ Mr. HARRISDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think that this post is of primary importance, and that, in the best interests of the country, it is very necessary that the holder of it should remain in. this country for the discharge of the duties of his post, and not be absent from time to time?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWSurely that is a question for the First Lord of the Admiralty and the Government to decide? For the moment his services may be of more use in the Mediterranean where the chief losses have been?
§ Admiral of the Fleet Sir H. MEUXThe right hon. Gentleman used the words "for the moment"; is not the absence extending to weeks?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI did not know I used the word "moment." I do not know how long he has been away—perhaps three weeks or thereabouts.
§ Mr. G. FABERIs not the First Lord getting on with the War? Is not that the most important thing?
§ Colonel Sir CHARLES SEELYIs there any precedent for the First Lord of the Admiralty being away for three weeks?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWAs regards the length of time I cannot say; there are dozens of precedents for his being absent from the country.