11 Commander Bowerasked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many captains of the Royal Navy have been promoted to the rank of rear-admiral and acting rear-admiral, respectively, without consideration of their place on the list, since 14th December, 1940?
Mr. AlexanderSince 14th December, 1940, 19 captains have been promoted to the rank of rear-admiral and five captains to the rank of acting rear-admiral, irrespective of their positions on the captains' list.
Commander BowerIs it not a fact that, in spite of these promotions, there are still very few, even rear-admirals, under the age of 50 in the Royal Navy, with the result that the Navy, instead of being the senior Service, is rapidly becoming the senile Service?
Mr. AlexanderAny such suggestion, in view of the record of the Royal Navy in this war, is most uncalled for.
§ Commander Locker-LampsonIs it not a very unworthy suggestion?