§ 48. Mr. HORE-BELISHAasked the First Lord of the Admiralty what prin- 864 ciples are followed in selecting men for discharge from His Majesty's dockyards; and whether a man's domestic circumstances, as well as his record of service, are taken into account?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Lieut.-Colonel Headlam)The principles are that efficiency comes first and efficiency is determined by the qualities which contribute to the benefit of the Service; after efficiency length of service in the Department and dockyard apprenticeship are taken into account; domestic circumstances would not override the foregoing considerations; but although not specified in the Admiralty instructions domestic circumstances may be taken into account by the local officers who are immediately responsible for selecting the individual men to be discharged where the selection cannot be determined on Service grounds.