§ 14. Sir R. HAMILTONasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether a fresh appointment has been made to the office of King's Harbour Master in Orkney; and whether he will state what are the duties and emoluments of the office?
§ Lieut.-Colonel HEADLAMYes; the duties of this officer are the same as those of his predecessor. It is considered undesirable in the interests of the Admiralty to abolish this appointment at present. The emoluments of the present King's Harbour Master are £789 10s. per annum.
§ Sir R. HAMILTONIs the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the First Lord told me two years ago that he would consider the abolition of this post? I have waited until this new appointment has been made in succession to the old one, and I want to know if any consideration has been given to the question as to whether this post will be abolished or not.
§ Lieut.-Colonel HEADLAMI am certain that full consideration has been given to this matter, but the contract for the salving of the sunken German warships provided for Admiralty supervision or observation of the work to ensure that the provisions of the contract are complied with. There are two ships still to be raised.
§ Sir R. HAMILTONIs it necessary to pay an officer £789 a year to do this work?
§ Lieut.-Colonel HEADLAMWe should not do it unless we considered it necessary.
§ Sir BERTRAM FALLEWas this officer an Orkney-born man?
§ Lieut.-Colonel HEADLAMI must have notice of that question.
§ Mr. HARRISWhat were the duties of this officer's predecessor?
§ Lieut.-Colonel HEADLAMThe same.
§ Mr. HARRISWhat were the actual duties of the present harbour master's predecessor?