§ 27. Mr. Bellengerasked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many admirals now holding executive positions have not had operational experience in the present war?
Mr. AlexanderI understand that my hon. Friend has in mind the officers of the Executive Branch of the rank of Rear-Admiral and above who hold appointments at the Admiralty. As regards members of the Board of Admiralty, I would refer him to the written answer given on 2nd March to the hon. and gallant Member for Cleveland (Commander Bower). In addition, there are 15 active list flag officers serving at Admiralty Headquarters, of whom all except one have had sea-going experience during the present war. Three of these are captains, serving with acting flag rank. There are also 20 retired flag officers, of whom seven have had such experience. Five of the 20 are now serving in the rank of captain.
§ 28. Major Sir George Daviesasked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many admirals then upon the active list had attained the age of 52 years upon the outbreak of war; and how many of them have since retired?
Mr. AlexanderThere were 52 flag officers on the list, excluding admirals of the fleet, who had attained the age of 52 years on the outbreak of war. Of these 29 have since been removed from the list through retirement or death.
§ Sir G. DaviesIs my right hon. Friend aware that modern warfare makes very great calls for youthfulness in mind and body, and that there is a large number of naval officers eminently suitable for appointment to flag positions whose ability we are unable to make use of because of lack of opportunity in the higher grades?
Mr. AlexanderI think that examination will hardly bear that out. It was in the course of this war that the Admiralty decided, for the first time in 190 years, to go down the lists for promotion, and that course has been followed in regard to acting rank.
Commander BowerIs it not a fact that this procedure of going down the lists has been very little used—in fact, hardly at all?
Mr. AlexanderIt has been used. I am sure my hon. and gallant Friend will agree that naval officers like to be judged by naval officers.
§ Commander Sir Archibald SouthbyIs it not a fact that although acting or temporary rank has been given in the higher ranks, it has not been given to junior ranks, where it should have been?