§ 6. Commander BELLAIRSasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether promotion to flag rank of the Navy from the list of commodores and captains is to be strictly by seniority as captains, or whether the Government propose to avail themselves of the Order in Council passed during the Crimean War, 21st November. 1855, giving the Admiralty power to confer such step, or steps, of temporary or local rank as they may deem fit on officers of the naval service or the right expressly reserved as the undoubted right of the Crown to promote officers out of their turn?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Dr. Macnamara)I have nothing to add to the reply given to my hon. and gallant Friend on the 31st 141 October last, namely, that the Board of Admiralty are fully aware of the powers which they possess under the Crown, and will continue to exercise them in the best interests of the country and the naval service.
§ Commander BELLAIRSIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that my point is that the Board of Admiralty have these powers and do not exercise them'? Does the Board of Admiralty contend that after three and a half years of war no single captain has merited promotion by selection?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe hon. and gallant Member will note that I said the Board will continue to exercise their powers in the best interests of the country.