HC Deb 17 February 1943 vol 386 cc1723-4
32. Commander Bower

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what rank on the active or retired list of the Royal Navy, Royal Naval Reserve or Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve is held by Commander Campbell of the British Broadcasting Corporation's Brains Trust?

Mr. Alexander

Archibald B. Campbell served as a paymaster commander on the active and retired lists of the Royal Naval Reserve and was awarded the Reserve Decoration.

Commander Bower

Is it not a fact that the use of the title "Commander" without previous sea qualifications conveys the impression to the public that the officer concerned has commanded or is qualified to command one of His Majesty's ships or vessels of the Mercantile Navy; and is it not very unfortunate that the title should be used by an officer who is not and never has been a seaman?

Mr. Alexander

I have no actual knowledge myself as to whether the gentleman mentioned in the Question has earned the title of "Commander" in the Merchant Service. I have no information on that point at all, but perhaps I ought to add that, strictly speaking, he is not entitled now to the use of the naval rank, because his name was removed from the retired list in 1937 for non-report.

Mr. McKinlay

In view of the fact that this is a trade dispute, will the right hon. Gentleman submit this matter to the appropriate trade union?