§ 56. Mr. R. Carrasked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty if the reduction in the number of Headquarters staff forecast 162W by him on 14th February, 1961, will be reflected in the Estimates for 1962–63; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. C. Ian Orr-EwingOn 14th February, 1961, I announced our intention to try to reduce Headquarters staff by 500 over the next five years. I confirm that this is my noble Friend's policy, and that it will be reflected in the 1962–63 Estimates when they appear.
§ 57. Mr. R. Carrasked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty if the tours of duty of senior naval officers at Admiralty Headquarters have been extended in pursuance of Recommendation 7 of the First Report of the Select Committee on Estimates in Session 1959–60.
§ Mr. C. Ian Orr-EwingWe are implementing this recommendation on the lines I described in the debate on the Report. Many of these appointments will now be held for three years or more, although, as I have explained before, this cannot apply to all posts at Headquarters. In the case of officers nearer the end of their careers it will sometimes be possible for them to serve substantially longer.