HC Deb 16 November 1962 vol 667 cc77-8W
Captain Kerby

asked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty arising from a statement made in Letter No. 18 published in the White Paper Command No. 1871, what security check is made on Admiralty personnel employed as couriers.

Mr. C. Ian Orr-Ewing

In view of the setting up of a tribunal arising out of the Vassall case it is not now possible to give this information.

Captain Kerby

asked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty arising from statements made in the White Paper, Command No. 1871, what qualifications are required for Admiralty couriers.

Mr. C. Ian Orr-Ewing

Admiralty couriers are normally recruited from among ex-Regular officers with good records. No other special qualifications are required.

Captain Kerby

asked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty what is meant by the initials RANP in Letter No. 20, published in the White Paper, Command No. 1871.

Mr. C. Ian Orr-Ewing

The initials stand for Rear Admiral Nuclear Propulsion who was a member of the Galbraith Committee. The terms of reference of the Committee are given in reply to my hon. and gallant Friend's Question about Letter No. 3. The post was abolished in January, 1961.

Captain Kerby

asked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty what the initials D.A.E. and N.L. signify in letter No. 25, published in the White Paper, Command No. 1871.

Mr. C. Ian Orr-Ewing

Director of Air Equipment and Naval Law respectively.

Captain Kerby

asked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty what was the meeting referred to as the Nuclear Meeting, in Letter No. 3, published in the White Paper, Command No. 1871.

Mr. C. Ian Orr-Ewing

This meeting was one of a series held by a Committee whose terms of reference were, To study from the angle of the shipbuilder and shipowner, developments, in and applicable to, marine nuclear propulsion". The Civil Lord was Chairman; it only dealt with nuclear propulsion outside the submarine and warship field and its members included representatives of outside bodies concerned with shipping and shipbuilding.

Captain Kerby

asked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty arising from a statement in Letter No. 4, published in the White Paper, Command No. 1871, which members of the Board of Admiralty have been issued with Admiralty china; and whether this is for use in their offices at the Admiralty or elsewhere.

Mr. C. Ian Orr-Ewing

The First Lord and the First Sea Lord are issued with china as part of their entitlement to official residences within the Admiralty. In addition the Fourth Sea Lord, who is responsible for its supply, has a very small quantity for display in his office.

Captain Kerby

asked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty on which Vote expenditure on Admiralty china used by members of the Board of Admiralty is borne.

Mr. C. Ian Orr-Ewing

Vote 2 of present Navy Estimates.

Captain Kerby

asked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty what was the position and salary of Mr. W. Lowe when he wrote Letter No. 25, published in the White Paper, Command No. 1871; and what was the position and salary of John Vassall at that time.

Mr. C. Ian Orr-Ewing

Higher Clerical Officer in Air Equipment Department, salary £650 per annum; and Clerical Officer in Naval Law Branch, salary £300 per annum in 1949.

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