HC Deb 20 March 1957 vol 567 cc357-8
5. Mr. E. Johnson

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty how many officers of the rank of admiral, vice-admiral and rear-admiral are on the active list; how many hold commands, are employed at the Admiralty, are employed on other staff duties, or are not employed on any specific duties; and what were the corresponding figures on 1st March, 1939.

Mr. Soames

As the Answer contains a number of figures, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Johnson

Can my hon. Friend give me two figures out of those for which I have asked? Will he say, first, how many admirals are now employed in commands and how many of those are operational commands which involve going to sea; and secondly, how many admirals are now employed in the Admiralty and how many were employed in 1938?

Mr. Soames

My hon. Friend has asked for a number of figures. I would ask him to wait until he sees them in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Shinwell

Is it the intention of the Government to cut down the number of admirals, rear-admirals and similar officers at the Admiralty?

Mr. Soames

The number of flag officers will depend on the size of Vote A.

Mr. Johnson

On a point of order. This simply is not good enough. I asked only for three figures and I really must insist on having those figures.

Mr. Speaker

I understand that they will be in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Bottomley

Further to that point of order. Is it not a fact that figures have already been given and show that there are more captains and commanders in the Navy today then there were in 1945?

Mr. Speaker

That is not exactly a point of order. The Minister is quite entitled to circulate a number of figures and that saves the time of the House. The hon. Member ought to look at the Answer when he gets it and then see whether he wants further information.

Following is the Answer:

— Admirals Vice-admirals Rear-Admirals
Total serving now on Active List 11 26 61
Those holding commands 6 12 12
Those serving in Admiralty 2 7 21
Those employed on other staff duties 2 5 21
Those on leave or unemployed 1 2 7
Total serving on Active List 1st March, 1939 10 22 51
Those holding commands 3 11 14
Those serving in Admiralty 3 5 11
Those employed on other staff duties — 2 10
Those on leave or unemployed 4 4 16
Admirals of the Fleet are excluded

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