§ 32. Sir J. Langford-Holtasked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty how many are at present employed on the staff and in the office of the Second Sea Lord; and what was the number in 1941.
§ The Civil Lord of the Admiralty (Mr. C. Ian Orr-Ewing)Unfortunately mo figures are available for 1941. The nearest date for which a reasonably comprehensive figure is available is 1st April, 1946, when there were 679 persons employed in the Departments under the Second Sea Lord's superintendence, excluding naval ratings, for whom no figure is available. At 1st April, 1962, there were 485 persons employed in these Departments, including 66 naval ratings. There were five persons in the Second Sea Lord's personal office on 1st April, 1946, and five persons on 1st April, 1962.
§ Sir J. Langford-HoltWhilst appreciating what my hon. Friend has done in an effort to try to reduce these figures, may I ask him to bear in mind that my information is that in 1941 this figure was much lower than it is today and that if the reputation of the Royal Navy and the organisation behind it is to be maintained, it is essential that we get the best value for our money? Will he make all the efforts he can to try to ensure that this is achieved?
§ Mr. Orr-EwingMy noble Friend and I have given a solemn undertaking to this House that we will cut the headquarters staff of the Navy 1 per cent. every year for five years. We shall continue to do this. This area is not one which will be immune from that attention.