§ 91. Mr. Lewisasked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he is aware that on Thursday, 5th August, Admiral Sir John Edelsten, Commander-in-Chief, Portsmouth, gave a dinner party aboard the frigate "Grenville," moored at Cowes, at which flowers and special silver were taken aboard; who were the guests; what was the cost to his department; and who gave the authority for using this frigate for a private party.
§ Commander NobleThe dinner party was given by the Commander-in-Chief at his own expense. It is within the discretion of commanders-in-chief and commanding officers of Her Majesty's ships to entertain guests on board.
§ 92. Mr. Lewisasked the First Lord of the Admiralty why the frigate "Grenville" was moored off the shore at Cowes during the whole period of the Cowes Yachting Week; why on Friday, 6th August, this frigate was used for a private cocktail party of some 300 people; if he is aware that one of the decks was converted into a large cocktail bar, deck flags being strung across the bulwarks, flowers taken on board, and hours of work spent on the preparations; and by whose authority this party was arranged.
§ Commander NobleBy long-standing custom, the Royal Navy provides a guardship during Cowes Week. This year the duty was performed by H.M.S. "Grenville"
178WThe cocktail party held on board on Friday, 6th August, was authorised by the Commander-in-Chief, Portsmouth. It was not a private function. When Her Majesty's ships visit our coastal towns they invariably receive hospitality from the local authorities. Commanding officers, naturally, reciprocate by entertaining the local authorities on board and ships are also usually open to the general public. At Cowes it is customary for visiting yachts, foreign warships and the local authorities to be entertained on board.
I am satisfied that the preparations made for this party were no more than were necessary. They were carried out by the ship's company without prejudice to normal ship routine and without extra cost to public funds.