§ 2. Mr. E. L. Mallalieuasked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty what detailed and critical review of the chain of command and definition of all posts held in the Admiralty by civilian officials and naval officers with salaries of over £1,500 per annum has been made in the last two years.
§ Mr. C. Ian Orr-EwingThe Second Sea Lord's and Controller's Departments have been radically reorganised during the past two years when a thorough study was made of the chain of command and the senior posts. A Committee on the Organisation of Admiralty Business has reviewed other parts of the organisation; and a substantial proportion of the higher posts in all Departments comes under review in the normal course of the year's work of the Establishments authorities.
§ Mr. MallalieuCan the hon. Gentleman say what is the position in the weapons department? Is it not a fact that there were 114 naval officers in that department only a year ago and twelve of those were captains and thirty-four were commanders?
§ Mr. Orr-EwingI am afraid I cannot confirm that without notice, but as I said in the debate on 14th February we are rigorously examining staffs. We are starting not with a £1,500 limit but £2,500 and above, and we hope to work downwards.