§ 11. Lieut.-Commander BOWERasked the First Lord of the Admiralty what purpose is served by retaining in peace time a staff in the Naval Intelligence Division consisting of one rear-admiral, one captain, six commanders, one engineer-commander, and one paymaster-lieutenant-commander, Royal Navy, and one colonel, two majors, and two captains, Royal Marines, in addition to a civilian staff numbering 26?
Sir B. EYRES MONSELLThe primary purpose of the Naval Intelligence Division is the collection of all home and foreign intelligence of naval importance for the use of the naval staff, the Board of Admiralty, and the Fleet, a function no less necessary in peace than in war. The staffs of all departments of the Admiralty are frequently under review, and the staff of the Naval Intelligence Division, in point of fact, has been reduced, on both the naval and the civil side, within the past three years. My hon. and gallant Friend may rest assured that if any further reduction at any time seems to be possible the matter will be fully investigated.
§ Lieut.-Commander BOWERCould the right hon. Gentleman say why, whereas the naval and marine staff remains approximately the same as in 1914, the civilian staff was increased from 10 to 26?
Sir B. EYRES MONSELLI think my hon. and gallant Friend overlooks the fact that in the numbers quoted, 10 of that staff are a pool used by other departments.
§ Mr. MORGAN JONESWould the right hon. Gentleman give the comparative figure of three years ago, in respect of the staff?