7. Mr. ROBINSONasked the First Lord of the Admiralty the number of appointments at Admiralty headquarters with a salary of £500 per annum or more that have been created since July, 1914; what are the duties of the officers or officials in each case; and how many are in receipt of half-pay or pension in addition to the civil pay?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Lieut.-Colonel Headlam)The preparation in detail of the particulars asked for by the hon. Member would involve an expenditure of time and labour which hardly seems to be justified by the circumstances. I would refer the hon. Member to the Navy Estimates for 1914–15 and 1927 362 respectively, comparison between which would indicate what additional posts of the character indicated have been created since 1914–15.
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSCould not the hon. and gallant Gentleman inform the House of the figures of the increase in the number of officers receiving the amount stated in the question?
§ Lieut.-Colonel HEADLAMI certainly could give the House that number, but it would take a good deal of time and labour to work it all out. My answer so far has covered the point raised by the hon. Member who put the question.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSCould not the hon. and gallant Gentleman give a plain figure of the officers receiving a salary of £500 or over between 1914 and 1927, without referring to the details of the duties performed?
§ Lieut.-Colonel HEADLAMI will consider the suggestion, but I would point out that to get particulars and numbers would necessitate looking into facts and figures and would take a great deal of time.
§ Mr. HARRISWould the hon. and gallant Gentleman consider employing a £500 a year man to collect this information?
§ Mr. SULLIVANI think the Minister ought to try to satisfy Members—