§ 47. Mr. RAPERasked the Prime Minister whether he was aware of the anxiety regarding the delay of the Admiralty during 1912 and 1914 in adopting the system of director firing for the Fleet; whether the delay in question seriously handicapped the Fleet in the first years of the War and imperilled our chances of success; and whether he would consider the advisability of appointing a Committee to investigate the question of responsibility in order that public censure might be passed on those persons who were proved culpable?
§ The FIRST LORD of the ADMIRALTY (Mr. Long)I have been asked to answer this question. I am aware that statements have been made in the Press reflecting on the Admiralty for the delay in instituting "director firing"; but, in my opinion, these are made on insufficient grounds, and without full knowledge of the facts. The reply to the second part of the question is in the negative. No good purpose would be served by appointing such a Committee as that suggested by the hon. Member.