HC Deb 20 July 1911 vol 28 cc1401-2W
Lord CHARLES BERESFORD

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, under the Cawdor Memorandum of 1905

[Cd. 2791], officers were to be specialised; whether the midshipmen who should have? attained the rank of sub-lieutenant in May,

1911, have been put back for two years; and, if so, whether he will state the reason why the Admiralty took this step?

Mr. McKENNA

It is not understood what exact meaning is conveyed by the use of the expression "have been put back for two years." Under the Cawdor Memorandum, no officer would have been withdrawn from sea to specialise until at least two years from the date of becoming sublieutenant, one year of which must have been served at sea. Under the existing arrangements (announced in circular letter of the 1st May, 1908), officers must serve for two years from the date of becoming sub-lieutenant, either as sub-lieutenant or lieutenant. In every case at least one year must have been as lieutenant at sea, before becoming eligible to specialise.