§ 83. Mr. H. Hyndasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty by how much the number of admirals on the 72W active list of the Royal Navy has increased or decreased since July last year.
§ Mr. SoamesThe present number of officers of flag rank, excluding those about to retire and those on loan to Commonwealth navies, is two below the corresponding number on 11th July, 1956.
85. Dr. Bennettasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty how many capital ships are in full commission; how many aerodromes are fully occupied by squadrons; and how many officers of flag rank there are at the latest convenient date.
§ Mr. SoamesThere are two Fleet carriers and two light Fleet cariers in commission in the operational Fleet. There is also one light Fleet carrier engaged in the training of new entry seamen and one on special duties in connection with the nuclear tests in the Pacific.
There are six naval air stations in the United Kingdom fully occupied by disembarked squadrons. There are, of course, other stations performing less immediate tasks.
The present number of officers of flag rank, excluding those about to retire and those on loan to Commonwealth navies, is 96.