§ Mr. Churchillasked the Secretary of State for Defence what was the ratio of admirals to capital ships of the Royal Navy for each of the years 1954, 1964, 1974 and estimated for 1980; and what were the actual numbers, respectively.
§ Mr. JuddMajor ships in the Royal Navy numbered 321 in 1954; 137 in 1964; and 90 in 1974. In those years the number of flag officers was 93, 70 and 67 respectively. The ratios were thus 1:3.4, 1:1.9 and 1:1.4. I cannot predict what this ratio is likely to become in 1980.