§ 11. Colonel YATEasked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether the Committee under Admiral Sir Martyn Jerram is to hold an inquiry into the pay and conditions of service of officers of the Royal Navy as well as into those of the men, or whether a separate inquiry is to be made in the case of the officers; and, if so, by whom and when the inquiry is to commence?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI explained to my hon. Friend the Member for Devonport on Wednesday last that the question of officers' pay will be dealt with by the Committee under Admiral Sir Martyn Jerram. I went on to explain that, in view of the pressure of work upon that Committee, the Board had decided to appoint another Committee working in close liaison with Admiral Jerram's Committee, to consider solely questions relating to the pay, etc., of officers. This Committee will work under Admiral Jerram and will report through him. It will commence its work at once.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODWill this Committee also consider the admission into the Navy of officers from all classes of the community, or is the present system of restricted entry to be maintained?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThat is not in this reference, and I cannot imagine that the Committee will inquire into it.
§ Viscount CURZONIn view of the answer to this question, as well as to the one I put a few minutes ago, and in view also of the fact that the Committee has already reported, would it be possible for hon. Members to see the evidence given before it.
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe question of my Noble Friend dealt with the question of the pay of officers, while this has reference to the men's pay. I am afraid I cannot add to the answer I gave to the Noble Lord.