HC Deb 20 July 1927 vol 209 cc384-5
16. Sir F. WISE

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the staff at the Admiralty on 31st December, 1913, and 1st July, 1927?

Lieut.-Colonel HEADLAM

The numbers of the staff employed at the Admiralty (Headquarters) on the 31st December, 1913, and the 1st July 1927, were 2,062 and 3,154 respectively.

Mr. HARRIS

Are we to understand that while the personnel has gone down the staff at the Admiralty has gone up?

Lieut.-Colonel HEADLAM

The figures speak for themselves, but because the personnel has been reduced, it is not always possible to reduce the staff proportionately. However, there have been reductions in the staff, and further reductions may be possible.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the total figures of the Admiralty Office are never given in the Navy Estimates, and is he aware that it is necessary to go through pages of figures before an intelligent comparison can be made between one year and another; and will he see that these figures are put in the same way as other Departments deal with them?

Lieut.-Colonel HEADLAM

I cannot accept the statement of the hon. Member that these figures are never given in the Navy Estimates. I think it is perfectly clear in the Navy Estimates what the numbers are. There is no attempt to disguise them and I have just given the figures to the hon. Member.

Commander BELLAIRS

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the 1913 staff proved to be utterly inadequate during the War?

Lieut.-Colonel HEADLAM

I am perfectly certain that there was not a sufficient naval staff before the War.

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