§ Captain Kerbyasked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty if he is aware of the harmful effects of his policy of retaining Regular officers in Her Majesty's service against their will; and if he will in future permit officers who so desire to resign their Regular commissions in the Royal Navy or Royal Marines.
§ Mr. C. Ian Orr-EwingI recognise the disadvantages of the present situation. The Admiralty has no wish to retain unwilling officers in the Royal Navy or Royal Marines, but at the present time all those wanting to go cannot be allowed to do so immediately. Outstanding applications for voluntary retirement and resignation from the Royal Navy and Royal Marines are continually under review to ensure that officers are released from the Service as soon as they can be spared. First priority is given to officers with compassionate reasons for asking to leave the Service; other applications are granted in the order received.