HC Deb 06 August 1912 vol 41 cc2946-7W
Lord CHARLES BERESFORD

asked the names of all officers who were called away from the Admiralty to take part in the manœuvres?

Mr. CHURCHILL

Admiral His Serene Highness Prince Louis of Battenberg and Rear-Admiral David Beatty.

Lord CHARLES BERESFORD

asked whether retired officers of the Royal Navy were offered £40 as a bounty and 25 per cent, of their pay (in addition to their monthly pay) while they were serving in ships for the manœuvres?

Mr. CHURCHILL

The answer is in the negative. Under Order in Council of the 4th July, 1895, retired officers employed in the manœuvres receive the full pay and allowances of their rank on the retired list, together with a bonus of 15 per cent. for every pound of the full pay—exclusive of allowances—earned by them, their retired pay being suspended. Equipment allowances are also payable in certain cases under the conditions shown on page 941 of the Quarterly Navy List.

Lord CHARLES BERESFORD

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether during the progress of the late naval manœuvres wireless messages were sent from the Admiralty directing the movements of vessels composing the defending Fleet; whether he is aware that this proceeding resulted in the success of the invading force and created a state of chaos in the Fleet; whether after 2½ days the Admiralty gave the Commander-in-Chief of the defending force an order to take over supreme command of the defending force; whether, at the moment of taking over command the Commander-in-Chief of the defending force had no accurate knowledge as to the disposition of that force; whether a patrol was thrown across the North Sea, half of which patrol was under the control of the Admiralty and the other half under the command of the Commander-in-Chief of the defending force; and if he will state whether it is the intention of the Board of Admiralty to manœuvre the Fleet in Home waters by wireless in the event of hostilities?

Mr. CHURCHILL

The manœuvres were organised and conducted by the First Sea Lord, assisted by the War Staff. Sir William May acted as umpire-in-chief. Full reports from him and from the principal officers concerned have now been received and will be carefully studied. It has been the rule in recent years to treat the manœuvres of the Fleet as confidential exercises, and there is no reason for departing from that position at the present time. The Noble Lord is well aware of this rule, and he will not expect me therefore to deal with the assertions he has seen fit to place upon the Notice Paper.