§ 11. Lieut. - Commander FLETCHERasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the Board of Admiralty shares the view of the Army Council, as expressed in the Field Service Regulations, 1501 that high command in war requires the broadest possible outlook and knowledge of social as well as of military questions; and, if so, what steps are taken to give naval officers the training necessary to obtain such an outlook?
§ Sir S. HOAREThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the second part, the naval officer's whole career, and in particular his early life and duties as a divisional officer, afford valuable training and experience in the direction suggested. It is not possible, however, to include in the naval officer's curriculum of training, which is already very full, any special training in social questions.
§ Lieut.-Commander FLETCHERMay I ask whether this broad outlook would not be facilitated by the entry of officers into the Navy from the public schools or from the universities?
§ Sir S. HOAREThat, obviously, is a question which does not arise out of the question on the Order Paper. If the hon. and gallant Member will put the question down, I will give him an answer.