HC Deb 26 July 1961 vol 645 cc56-7W
Mr. W. Hamilton

asked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty if he will itemise in the OFFICIAL REPORT the pay of officers serving on Her Majesty's Yacht "Britannia".

Mr. C. Ian Orr-Ewing

The officer complement of Her Majesty's Yacht "Britannia" is:

  • 1 flag officer.
  • 3 commanders.
  • 1 surgeon commander.
  • 2 commanders or lieutenant commanders.
  • 4 lieutenant commanders or lieutenants.
  • 1 lieutenant commander (S.D.), or lieutenant (S.D.).
  • 1 lieutenant.
  • 5 lieutenants (S.D.).
  • 3 sub lieutenants.
  • 1 lieutenant (S.D.), R.M.

This number of officers is reduced by six whilst in harbour.

2. Rates of pay are published in the Appendix to the Navy List, a copy of which is in the House of Commons Library.

Mr. W. Hamilton

asked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty what is the current complement of the Royal Yacht "Britannia"; and whether, in the interests of the national economy, he will consider as a matter of urgency the appointment of an officer below the rank of flag officer to command the ship.

Mr. C. Ian Off-Ewing

The complement whilst Her Majesty's Yacht "Britannia" is at sea is 22 officers and 257 ratings and other ranks. It is less in harbour.

The Royal Yacht has ranked as a flag officer's command since the first world war for reasons which are just as pertinent today.