§ 20. Lieut.-Commander BOWERasked the First Lord of the Admiralty what is the normal period during which an officer 367 appointed to command the battle cruiser squadron holds this appointment?
Lord STANLEYIt is customary for this and other rear-admirals' appointments to be held for two years. When, however, an officer is promoted to the rank of vice-admiral during the tenure of a rear-admiral's appointment, the question of his retention of the appointment for the full period of two years is specially reviewed.
§ Lieut.-Commander BOWERWould the Noble Lord say whether the super-cession of an officer who has only done 10 months in this appointment may be assumed to be the usual normal change of flag appointments, or whether there is some special reason for this change?
Lord STANLEYNo, Sir; every case is reviewed on its merits. We have always to bear in mind the desirability of giving experience to other flag officers of the rank appropriate to the command.