HC Deb 06 July 1960 vol 626 cc433-4
20. Mr. Willis

asked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty whether consideration of the Report of the Committee on Lower-Deck Structure has yet been completed.

Mr. C. Ian Orr-Ewing

No, Sir.

Mr. Willis

When will consideration of this Report be completed? The Admiralty has now had the Report far two years or more. Is it not really time that it finished its studies?

Mr. Orr-Ewing

I agree that we have had this Report for about two years. It raises a number of fundamental issues about the careers of all ratings and it would be wrong to come to a quick or indefinite decision before we have thoroughly considered all the implications both on the efficiency of the Navy and on the careers of the men affected.

Mr. Willis

When are we likely to learn the results of the consideration?

Mr. Orr-Ewing

I can only say that the Board of Admiralty is examining each facet of these recommendations. We are having a long discussion on them and we are trying to come to some proper conclusions which will benefit the Navy and the men.