§ 19. Mr. Stokesasked the First Lord of the Admiralty the ages of the officers in command of the main units of the Fleet to-day, and give at the same time the ages of those in corresponding positions at the end of the last war?
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty (Sir Victor Warrender)The average age of the flag officers of the Home and Mediterranean Fleets at present is 54 years 7 months. The corresponding average in the Grand and Mediterranean Fleets in 1918 was 51 years. It should be remembered, however, that there were in 1918 many more commands for rear-admirals and commodores and that this accounts for the lower average age. I would also refer to the answer given on a similar subject by my right hon. Friend on 31st July.
§ Mr. StokesThat is not really an answer to my Question. I want to know the individual ages of commanders of individual commands.
§ Sir V. WarrenderI am prepared to let the hon. Member have the information.