Weapons Department (Head of Central Services Section)

HC Deb 10 April 1963 vol 675 cc157-8W

22. Mr. Skeffington

asked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty if he accepts the comment of the Estimates Committee in their 5th Report of the present Session on the Admiralty in regard to the appointment of civilians to senior naval posts; and why the temporary appointment of a naval officer in 1961 as head of the Central Services Section of the Weapons Department is still being continued.

Mr. C. Ian Orr-Ewing

As I informed the House on 14th February, 1961, it is our policy to employ naval officers only where their experience and qualifications make that essential. This applies to the post of Head of the Central Services Section in the Weapons Department, the duties of which call for naval experience. The post is not filled on a temporary basis.