§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether his attention has been drawn to the case of Albert Ernest Hennessey, late chief writer in His Majesty's Navy, who, after completing seventeen years' service, was discharged on 2nd June, 1910, from the Royal Naval Barracks, Devonport, on the ground that his services were no longer required; whether he will inform the House of the circumstances that led to Hennessey's dismissal; if discharged for misconduct or incompetence, will he explain why Hennessey's character and ability were assessed as very good on discharge; if discharged for an offence under the Naval Discipline Act, will he explain why Hennessey was not given a trial by court-martial; if dismissed on suspicion as the result of confidential reports, is he aware that no charges have been made against Hennessey, and that he has never been given an opportunity of defending himself; whether he is aware that the last account rendered in H.M.S. "Leander," during Hennessey's period of service in that ship, was up to 30th September, 1907, and that all accounts to that date were examined by the Fleet Paymaster, passed as correct, and forwarded by him to the Accountant-General's Department for further examination and passed?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe decision to discharge Hennessey was the result of a careful consideration by the Board of Admiralty of the whole circumstances of the case and of a minute and protracted examination of the ship's books.