§ 26. Mr. C. WILLIAMSasked the First Lord of the Admiralty what effect the Naval Conference will have on the personnel of the Navy; and what is the total reduction in personnel of officers and men that it will affect?
Mr. ALEXANDERThe necessary examination of the various aspects of the matter has not yet reached a stage at which it is possible to say definitely what will be the ultimate reduction in naval personnel resulting from the Naval Conference. It is clear, however, that owing to the reduction of capital ships by five over a period of two years a substantial saving in officers and men may be anticipated. The reduction may amount in all to about 2,500 and can be effected without recourse to special measures.